Video information combined with individualized information sessions: Effects upon emotional well-being following coronary artery bypass surgery--A randomized trial

Abstract

Objective: To test the efficacy of an information intervention upon emotional recovery following coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods: Randomized trial. Video information was combined with individualized information sessions carried out by nurses at admission and at discharge from the hospital. The video was shown pre-operatively and again during the session at admission. Patients were helped to express their questions and worries and congruent information and support was provided. Control group patients received standardized information and no video. Recordings were made at baseline, discharge from hospital and during a 2 years follow-up period.

Results: One hundred and nine patients were randomized to the intervention or the control groups. A MANOVA was used to test of the variance of the outcome variables at each time point. At discharge intervention patients reported less anxiety (p = 0.046) and better subjective health (p = 0.005). They reported better subjective health during the whole follow-up period (0.040 > or = p > or = 0.000), less anxiety up to 1 year (0.042 > or = p > or = 0.004), and less depression from 6 months to 2 years following discharge (0.023 > or = p > or = 0.004).

Conclusion: The effects of the intervention probably relate to the combined use of the video and patient centered information sessions.

Practice implications: The intervention can easily be implemented in clinical practice and nurses strongly identified with its principles.