Anxiety, Chest Tube Removal, Coronary Artery Bypass, Pain, Acute Post-Operative
Conditions
Keywords
Reflexology, Cold Application, Chest Tube Removal Pain, Non-pharmacological Interventions, Nursing Care
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined reflexology and cold application on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing chest tube removal (CTR) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Chest tube removal is an invasive procedure that often causes significant pain and anxiety, which can negatively impact the recovery process. In this randomized controlled trial, patients will be assigned to a combined intervention group (reflexology and cold application) or a control group. The study seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for non-pharmacological nursing interventions to improve patient comfort and reduce complications during the post-operative period.
Detailed description
This randomized, controlled, experimental study will be conducted with patients undergoing chest tube removal after CABG at the Gulhane Training and Research Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit. Based on power analysis, a minimum of 108 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (1:1:1 ratio) using block randomization: Combined Intervention Group: Patients will receive foot reflexology for 40 minutes (20 minutes per foot) and cold application (at -20°C/-30°C using a 13x13 cm cold pack applied over gauze for 20 minutes) immediately before chest tube removal. Control Group: Patients will receive standard clinical care without additional interventions but will be monitored for their experiences and questions. Data Collection: Data will be collected using a Patient Identification Form, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety, and a Vital Signs Follow-up Form for physiological parameters (Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Oxygen Saturation). Procedures and Evaluation: Measurements will be recorded at three time points: at initial contact (T1), after the intervention but before tube removal (T2), and 30 minutes after tube removal (T3). Statistical analysis will include independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests depending on data distribution. The study aims to test the hypotheses that combined reflexology and cold application significantly reduce pain and anxiety while stabilizing physiological parameters.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALReflexology
A trained researcher will apply foot reflexology for 40 minutes (20 minutes per foot) prior to chest tube removal. The intervention focuses on specific reflex points on the soles, dorsum, and toes of both feet to reduce pain and anxiety
BEHAVIORALCryotherapy alone
A 13 cm x 13 cm cold pack, frozen for at least 2 hours at -20°C/-30°C, will be applied to the skin at the chest tube insertion site for 20 minutes before removal. The area will be covered with a gauze pad to prevent direct contact with the skin
Sponsors
Ankara University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Masking description
"Due to the nature of the interventions (foot reflexology and cold application), masking of participants and investigators was not possible. However, the data will be analyzed objectively.
Intervention model description
This is a three-arm, randomized, parallel-controlled trial. The study uses a pre-test and post-test design with one intervention group (reflexology and cold application combined) and one control group (standard care).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Being 18 years of age or older * Not having undergone previous open heart surgery * Not having received analgesics within 4 hours prior to the procedure * Having a VAS pain score of 3 or higher * Voluntary participation in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Being under 18 years of age * Using inotropic drugs * Having a history of chronic pain * Having a history of alcohol or drug use * Having a psychiatric illness * Having skin lesions, burns, or wounds on the feet that would prevent massage application
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of Post-Procedural Pain | Baseline (T1: initial), pre-procedure after intervention (T2: 40 minutes after initial), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Pain severity will be measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 represents 'no pain' and 10 represents 'the most severe pain imaginable.' Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| State Anxiety Level | 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Anxiety levels will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The state scale consists of 20 items, with total scores ranging from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate higher levels of state anxiety. |
| Physiological Parameters (Systolic Blood Pressure) | Baseline (T1), pre-procedure (T2), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Systolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg using a non-invasive, calibrated blood pressure monitor to evaluate the physiological response of the patients. |
| Physiological Parameters (Diastolic Blood Pressure) | Baseline (T1), pre-procedure (T2), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Diastolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. |
| Physiological Parameters (Heart Rate) | Baseline (T1), pre-procedure (T2), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Heart rate will be measured in beats per minute (bpm) using a pulse oximeter or cardiac monitor. |
| Respiratory Rate | Baseline (T1), pre-procedure (T2), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Respiratory rate will be measured as the number of breaths per minute by observing the patient's chest movements for one full minute |
| Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) (%) | Baseline (T1), pre-procedure (T2), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3). | Oxygen saturation will be measured as a percentage (%) using a non-invasive pulse oximeter device attached to the patient's finger. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTneriman yükseltürk şimşek, assistant prof.
CONTACTyasemin özkan, phd
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORneriman yükseltürk şimşek, assistant prof
ankara u
STUDY_CHAIRyasemin özkan
Gulhane Training and Research Hospital
Outcome results
None listed