Reflexology Effects on Pain and Psychological Status among Patients who Undergone Cardiothoracic Surgery

Abstract

Background: Many studies reported that reflexology relieves pain and enhances psychological status of patients' post- cardiothoracic surgeries. Nurses play a critical role in managing pain and maintaining psychological status post- cardiothoracic surgeries. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of reflexology on pain and psychological status regarding patients with cardiothoracic surgeries.

Setting: The study was conducted in the cardiothoracic intensive care units in cardiothoracic hospital at Sednawy Zagazig University Hospital., Egypt.

Subjects: A purposive sample of 80 patients who were admitted to the cardiothoracic surgery department and were subjected to cardiothoracic surgery during the study period divided into two groups of patients (study and control), (40 patient) for each group. Three tools were used for collection of data, structured interview questionnaire to assess demographic and health history assessment data for patients, numerical rating scale to assess pain level and patient's psychological status assessment questionnaire to assess psychological status.

Results:  There was statistically significant decrease in pain, anxiety, fatigue level and enhancing sleep quality in the study group after applying hands and foot reflexology compared to control group and the improvement was more significant in the study group than in the control group.

Conclusion: Hands and foot reflexology has a positive effect in decreasing pain, anxiety, fatigue level and enhancing sleep quality of patients after cardiothoracic surgeries.

Recommendations: This study recommended periodic evaluation and validation of the training given and training programs should be included both theoretical and practical to patients who prepared for cardiothoracic surgery on cardiothoracic surgery units and their relatives.