The Effects of Discharge Plan on Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Angioplasty is one of the most common methods for treating coronary artery diseases. However, a large number of those undergoing this treatment face psychological problems that negatively affect the quality of their life and recovery. We aimed to determine the effects of discharge planning on stress, anxiety, and depression in patients undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 80 candidates for PTCA during January to April 2013 were randomly assigned to equal experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group participated in two training sessions before and after the procedure and an informative booklet was used for their training. These patients were followed by phone during the two weeks after discharge. The depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21) was completed by all subjects upon admission, at discharge, and one month after discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 18. t test was used as appropriated. RESULTS The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in their stress, anxiety and depression a month after receiving the planned discharge (P<0.001). Although scores of stress (P=0.696), anxiety (P=0.110), depression (P=0.073) of the experimental group did not differ significantly on the day of discharge, the decrease was considerable compared with that of the control group. CONCLUSION Using a planned discharge program in patients undergoing PTCA lowered their stress, anxiety, and depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER IRCT201302182812N12.