The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiological Indicators and Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Time among Open-Heart Surgery Patients

Abstract

Shortening the length of mechanical ventilation (MV) and lowering dose of sedatives among critically ill patients can decrease complications, intensive care length of stay and mortality rate. Therefore, introducing non-pharmacologic interventions such as reflexology became an issue of concern for critical care nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on physiological indicators and mechanical ventilation weaning time in open-heart surgery (OHS) patients. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 80 patients who underwent open heart operation and admitted to cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) of Mansoura University Hospital. Random assignment was allocated to the intervention group (foot reflexology) and the control group (routine care). Data were collected using participants' physiological indicators and MV weaning time assessment tool. Results: There were statistical significant differences between the foot reflexology group and the control group concerning all physiological indicators (p < 0.05). Statistical significant differences were also noted on shortening the length of weaning time between both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective method for stabilizing physiological indicators and decreasing ventilator dependence among patients undergoing OHS. Therefore, it can be introduced as an adjunct to daily care of OHS patients in ICU.