The impact of telenursing on level of depression, stress and anxiety in discharged patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Background

After coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients are susceptible to mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression following discharge from the hospital and often require post-discharge support and follow-up. Telenursing is an accessible method that may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of telenursing on depression, stress, and anxiety in discharged patients after CABG surgery.

Materials and methods

A randomized clinical trial was carried out. Eligible patients were divided randomly into intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS21) questionnaire was filled out by both groups one day before discharge from the hospital. The intervention group received SMS reminders of their treatment plan, referrals to the cardiac rehabilitation clinic, and routine care three times a week for six weeks, while the control group received routine care provided by the hospital only. In the week following the completion of the intervention period, both groups returned to fill out the questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, descriptive and inferential statistics, and independent and paired T-tests.

Result

The mean scores of depression, stress, and anxiety before intervention in the intervention group were 11.95, 18.75, and 18.17, and in the control group were 11.55, 18.37, and 17.4 respectively. The mean scores of depression, stress, and anxiety after intervention in the intervention group were 7.85, 10.5, and 10.45, and in the control group were 10.56, 17.9, and 16.5 respectively. No significant differences were seen between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05), but the results showed significant differences between the two groups’ mean scores of depression, stress, and anxiety after intervention (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Telenursing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in discharged patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery by providing proper and cost-effective follow-up.