Pilot study of the relationship between heart rate and ectopy and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between cardiac performance (as measured by heart rate and ectopy) and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit. DESIGN Patients were from two coronary care units. Group A had unrestricted visiting hours, and group B had restricted visiting hours. Heart rate and ectopy were measured three times both in patients with unrestricted visiting hours and in those with restricted visiting hours: (1) before visitors arrived, (2) 5 minutes after visitors arrived and (3) 1 to 5 minutes after the visitors left. A total of 25 visits were analyzed. FINDINGS There were no significant differences in rates of premature ventricular contractions and premature atrial contractions between the two groups. Patients with unrestricted visiting hours had a significantly lower heart rate after visits than patients with restricted visits. CONCLUSION Consideration should be given to development of unrestricted visiting policies that promote the continuing presence and natural support of the family and significant others for patients in coronary care units.