Articles in Press

Original Article(s)

  • Effectiveness of an integrated nursing program on anxiety, uncertainty in illness, and self-care ability among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization: A quasi-experimental study
    Siriwan Turongruang ORCID , Pacharapon Thanamee ORCID
    XML | views: 127 | pages: X-X
    Abstract

    Background & Aim: Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization commonly experience elevated anxiety, illness uncertainty, and self-care challenges. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an integrated nursing program on anxiety, uncertainty in illness, and self-care ability among patients undergoing first-time cardiac catheterization.
    Methods & Materials: A quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was conducted among 60 middle-aged adults (40–65 years) scheduled for first-time cardiac catheterization at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Participants were consecutively enrolled and allocated using systematic alternating assignment (intervention n=30; control n=30). The intervention comprised a four-phase integrated nursing program based on Mishel's Uncertainty Theory and Orem's Self-Care Theory. Primary outcomes were measured using STAI, MUIS-A, and SCHFI at four time points.
    Results: Baseline characteristics revealed no significant differences between groups (p>0.05). Mixed ANOVA revealed significant Group × Time interaction effects for all primary outcomes: anxiety [F(3,174)=39.796, p<.001, ηp²=0.407], uncertainty in illness [F(3,174)=13.827, p<.001, ηp²=0.193], and self-care ability [F(3,174)=4.485, p=.005, ηp²=0.072]. The intervention group demonstrated progressive reductions in anxiety and uncertainty in illness alongside sustained improvements in self-care ability. The intervention group experienced fewer complications (3.3% vs. 20.0%, p=0.044) and higher satisfaction scores (142.8±6.2 vs. 118.5±8.7, p<0.001).
    Conclusion: The integrated nursing program effectively reduced anxiety and uncertainty while enhancing self-care ability among cardiac catheterization patients, demonstrating clinical utility for improving perioperative outcomes.
    Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (Registration pending - Request No. TCTR 20260210)