What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: RCT. Population: Post-intensive care syndrome-family in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients. Intervention: WeChat applet-based whole process psychological empowerment program (Wab-WPPEP) vs. Routine care. Primary outcome: Anxiety (β -3.98, 95% CI -4.34 to -3.62, p=< 0.001).

October 18, 2024Open Access

Effects of Wab-WPPEP on post-intensive care syndrome-family in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients: A randomized controlled trial

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A WeChat applet-based psychological empowerment program significantly reduced anxiety in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients at one month post-discharge (β -3.98; P < 0.001).

Key Result

A WeChat applet-based psychological empowerment program significantly reduced anxiety in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients at one month post-discharge (β -3.98; P < 0.001).

Study Design

Type

RCT

Randomization

Two-arm, parallel

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Does a WeChat applet-based whole process psychological empowerment program (Wab-WPPEP) reduce anxiety in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients?

Population

Family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients followed from ICU admission to one month post-discharge.

Intervention

WeChat applet-based whole process psychological empowerment program (Wab-WPPEP) implemented from ICU admission to one month post-discharge.

Comparator

Routine care.

Outcome

Anxiety assessed at baseline, before ICU transfer, pre-discharge, and one month post-discharge.patient reported

A WeChat applet-based psychological empowerment program significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms while improving quality of life in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients.

Main Result

Effect estimate: β -3.98 (95% CI -4.34 to -3.62)

p-value: p=< 0.001

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a WeChat applet-based whole process psychological empowerment program (Wab-WPPEP) on post-intensive care syndrome-family in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients. DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTINGS: A tertiary general hospital in Fuzhou, China. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received Wab-WPPEP, while the control group received routine care. The intervention was implemented from ICU admission to one month post-discharge. The primary outcome was anxiety, while secondary outcomes included depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), before ICU transfer (T1), pre-discharge (T2), and one month post-discharge (T3) using standardized questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the repeated-measures data. RESULTS: The intervention group exhibited greater improvements in anxiety (T1: β = -1.92, 95 % CI: -2.35 to -1.49, P < 0.001; T2: β = -1.66, 95 % CI: -2.03 to -1.29, P < 0.001; T3: β = -3.98, 95 % CI: -4.34 to -3.62, P < 0.001), depression (T1: β = -1.32, 95 % CI: -1.79 to -0.85, P < 0.001; T2: β = -1.70, 95 % CI: -2.08 to -1.32, P < 0.001), and quality of life (T2: β = 31.16, 95 % CI: 21.35 to 40.98, P < 0.001) compared to the routine-care group. PTSD scores were also significantly lower in the intervention group (t = -6.454, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Wab-WPPEP significantly reduced anxiety and depression, improved quality of life, and alleviated PTSD symptoms in family caregivers of heart valve replacement patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Comprehensive psychological interventions should be implemented throughout the ICU stay and recovery period to improve family caregiver well-being.