REDUCING ANXIETY TO CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION BY MODELING AND INFORMATION

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of both a videotaped information plus modeling intervention and a videotaped information intervention to reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation among patients facing cardiac catheterization. It was hypothesized that both the information plus modeling and information videotaped interventions would effectively reduce patient anxiety postintervention and during the catheterization compared to a non-related videotaped control. The information plus modeling videotape was expected to be the superior intervention.;Forty-five male and female patients scheduled for their first cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to see one of three videotapes: information plus modeling, information or control. Patients also received the standard hospital preparation.;State anxiety was measured by self-report and observed behavioral ratings. Depression and self-efficacy expectations also were evaluated.;The results revealed that the information plus modeling group reported significantly lower anxiety after the intervention compared to their initial level of state anxiety, and maintained this level during the catheterization. Patients in the information group reported significantly lower anxiety during the catheterization compared to patients in the control group. The control group revealed a significant increase in self-reported anxiety during the catheterization procedure. Blind observer ratings revealed the information plus modeling group to be marginally more adjusted than the information group. There were no significant differences between the treatment and control groups. The results revealed that the information group endorsed significantly more positive self-statements than the control group during the catheterization procedure. The analyses failed to reveal significant differences in self-efficacy expectations or depression levels between the groups.;The results suggested that videotaped information plus modeling and videotaped information are effective means of reducing self-reported patient anxiety before and during cardiac catheterization. Patients in these treatment groups developed better coping strategies and had less difficulty adjusting to the procedure compared to patients in the control group. The results suggested that information plus modeling may be the superior intervention. Research on the use of videotaped information plus modeling with patients who are referred for the procedure but have not decided to have it performed, was recommended.