Effect of the preparation program on the anxiety of candidate patients for cardiac electrophysiological interventions: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Patients' anxiety in cardiac electrophysiological studies (EPS) and ablation due to its unknown aspects needs more attention and the necessary measures to reduce it. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the preparation program on patients' anxiety waiting for these interventions. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was carried out in parallel with the participation of 51 hospitalized patients which is purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups, intervention (n = 25) and control (n = 26). The anxiety of the patients in both groups was measured by the Spielberger State Anxiety inventory, and then the program of preparation, including the show of the film, oral explanations and educational pamphlet, were presented to the patients in the intervention group. In the day of EPS and ablation, the anxiety of the patients was measured in both groups. Results: In the day of EPS and ablation, the mean anxiety score of the intervention group (43.20±12.21) and control group (56.87±7.17) were significantly different (p=0.000). Importantly, in the intervention group, the mean of anxiety score was significantly decreased after the preparation program (p=0.000). The mean anxiety score in the all women before the intervention (58.77 ± 9.97) was significantly higher than the anxiety in the all men (46.58±8.88) (p=0.000). Conclusion: The preparation program can significantly reduce the level of anxiety in patients undergoing EPS and ablation. Therefore, implementation of this program is recommended to reduce patients' anxiety and create the suitable conditions for the success of these interventions