Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing on Perceived Stress and ICU Stay in Neurosurgical Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Abstract

Background: Neurosurgical operations, especially for brain tumors, are among the most stressful medical procedures due to diagnostic uncertainties, high morbidity, and long post-operative recovery, including ICU admission. Stress management interventions may improve outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in reducing perceived pre- and post-operative stress and ICU stay in patients undergoing brain surgery.

Materials and methods: In a quasi-experimental design, 80 neurosurgical candidates admitted to Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital during 2020-2022 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 15 CBT-based sessions focused on stress management and cognitive restructuring. Stress levels were assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (1983), and CBT protocols followed Miller (2003). Data were analyzed with SPSS using chi-square tests, independent and paired t-tests, and ANCOVA.

Results: Patients who received CBT demonstrated significantly lower perceived stress scores postoperatively (p<0.001) and had a shorter ICU stay by an average of 3.2 days (p=0.049). No significant demographic differences were observed between groups.

Conclusion: CBT significantly reduces perioperative stress and ICU duration in neurosurgical patients. Integrating psychological interventions like CBT into preoperative care protocols may enhance recovery, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs.