Background of the Study
Anxiety is a common psychological response among patients undergoing major surgeries, including open-heart surgery. Patients face a myriad of concerns, including fear of the surgery's outcome, potential complications, and the recovery process (Adeyemo et al., 2024). Open-heart surgery, particularly coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve surgeries, is a high-risk procedure with a significant psychological impact, often leading to heightened anxiety before, during, and after the procedure (Oluwole et al., 2023). Anxiety, if not addressed, can negatively affect both the mental and physical health of patients, leading to poor surgical outcomes, delayed recovery, and increased postoperative complications (Ogunleye et al., 2023).
The role of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, in providing emotional support to patients undergoing open-heart surgery is crucial. Cardiac nurses, due to their continuous interaction with patients, can offer critical emotional support, which has been shown to alleviate anxiety and promote better psychological well-being (Guerreiro et al., 2023). Emotional support from nurses encompasses empathetic listening, providing reassurance, educating patients about the surgery process, and offering post-operative care guidance, which collectively help reduce feelings of fear and uncertainty (Trinidad et al., 2023). The provision of emotional support can enhance patients' coping mechanisms and improve their overall experience of the surgical process (MacDonald et al., 2024).
In Nigeria, many patients undergoing open-heart surgery report significant anxiety levels due to the perceived risks and the lack of sufficient preoperative information (Akinlade et al., 2023). Despite the known benefits of emotional support in alleviating anxiety, there is limited research on the role of cardiac nurses in providing this support in Nigerian hospitals. Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, located in Edo State, is one of the primary healthcare facilities offering open-heart surgery services in Nigeria, making it an ideal setting for exploring the impact of emotional support provided by cardiac nurses on patients' anxiety levels before and after surgery.
Statement of the Problem
The high levels of anxiety reported by patients undergoing open-heart surgery in Nigeria, particularly at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system. Although medical interventions focus on the surgical aspects, there is limited emphasis on addressing the psychological aspects of care, especially anxiety management. Cardiac nurses, who are in close contact with patients, have the potential to offer crucial emotional support that could alleviate anxiety and improve surgical outcomes (Chukwuma et al., 2024).
The lack of structured emotional support programs for cardiac patients undergoing surgery in Nigerian hospitals means that many patients face this high-stress experience without adequate psychological assistance. This gap in care may contribute to worsened psychological outcomes, such as increased anxiety and depression, which could ultimately affect the recovery process and the success of the surgery. Therefore, investigating the impact of emotional support by cardiac nurses on anxiety levels is essential in addressing these gaps in care and improving patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study will be limited to patients undergoing open-heart surgery at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. The study will assess the impact of emotional support provided by cardiac nurses on patient anxiety levels, as well as patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes. Data will be collected through pre- and post-surgery anxiety assessments, interviews, and surveys.
The limitations of the study include the potential for self-reporting bias, as patients may provide socially desirable answers regarding their anxiety levels and satisfaction. Additionally, the study's findings may not be easily generalizable to other hospitals due to differences in resources and patient demographics.
Definitions of Terms
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