Critical care unit transfer: reducing patient stress through nursing interventions.

Thirty patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction were studied by means of comparison of randomized groups to determine the effectiveness of two different nursing interventions on reducing the stress associated with CCU transfer. In order to promote continuity of patient care, one intervention implemented a family centered nursing approach while the other established a staff nurse-patient relationship prior to transfer to the general medical unit. Inferences as to the relationship between each of the nursing interventions and reduction of patient stress during the CCU transfer period were based on a comparison of the mean scores of psychosocial and physiological measures for the experimental and control groups. Six variables were measured. Overall, experimental patients in each group scored lower than control patients for (1-3) patient stress as reported by patient, family, and nurse, (4) cardiovascular complications within 24 hours of transfer, and (5) cardiovascular complications 24 to 72 hours after transfer; no difference was found in (6) physical complaints reported by the patient the evening of transfer.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes