The effect of an open-heart surgery patient care protocol on post-sternotomy pain, anxiety and quality of care: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Open-heart surgery patients face many problems because of post-sternotomy pain. Care protocols can eliminate pain and pain-related problems by providing holistic care. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an open-heart surgery patient care protocol developed in the study on post-sternotomy pain, anxiety and quality of care. Study Design: The study was carried out as a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The sample size was calculated. Considering some attrition, the sample size was increased by 10% for each group, and a total of 68 participants, including 34 in each group, were included in the sample. Data were collected using a ‘Patient Information Form’, a ‘Post-Sternotomy Pain Follow-up Form’, the ‘Numeric Rating Scale’, the ‘State Anxiety Inventory’ and the ‘Strategic and Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management Questionnaire’. The patients in the experimental group were given care in accordance with the protocol, which was developed in the study, on postoperative days 0, 1 and 2. Results: The statistical evaluation showed a significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental (F = 7.28; p