The Effect of the Neuman Systems Model on Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is the most commonly used surgical procedure for patients with coronary artery disease. Anxiety is a significant psychological problem associated with CABG surgery that may reduce related treatment outcomes. Purpose This study was designed to investigate the effect on anxiety of applying the Neuman Systems Model in patients awaiting and undergoing CABG surgery. Methods A single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients scheduled to receive coronary artery bypass surgery in an urban area of Iran. Seventy participants were enrolled using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 35) or the control group (n = 35). Participants in the intervention group received intervention in accordance with the Neuman Systems Model format, including meetings held at three levels of prevention. Patients' anxiety was measured using the State Anxiety Inventory before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at discharge time. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent sample t test, one-way repeated measures analysis of variance test, and Fisher's least significant difference were used to analyze the data. Results No significant difference was found between the mean anxiety scores of the two groups before the intervention (p = .48, t = 0.71). However, the mean anxiety score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group immediately after the intervention (p = .008, t = 2.73) and at discharge time (p = .007, t = 2.77). Conclusions The Neuman-based program is an effective and low-cost intervention that may be applied to reduce anxiety in patients awaiting and undergoing CABG surgery. This program may be a good guide in providing healthcare services.