Effect of Family Involvement Intervention on Anxiety, Independence, and Psychological Resilience in CABG Surgery Patients

Overview

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effect of a family-based intervention prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery on patients' psychosocial and functional outcomes. In the intervention group, family members who would participate in the care process received structured training, and their active participation in the pre- and post-operative care process was ensured. The control group received standard care. The study found that the family-based intervention reduced patients' preoperative anxiety levels, supported their independence, and strengthened their psychological resilience. The findings suggest that encouraging family involvement in patient care prior to CABG surgery can significantly contribute to both improving psychosocial adjustment and supporting the recovery process.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery is a life-saving intervention in the treatment of cardiac diseases; however, it poses significant psychosocial and functional challenges for patients. In the preoperative period, uncertainty, fear of death, and concerns regarding recovery increase patients' anxiety levels, while in the postoperative period, loss of independence, limitations in daily living activities, and decreased psychological resilience are frequently observed. Existing literature predominantly focuses on pharmacological approaches or standard care practices for managing these issues, while studies systematically examining family involvement as an intervention model remain limited. This study evaluated the effects of a family involvement-based structured intervention on anxiety, independence, and psychological resilience in patients undergoing CABG surgery, using a randomized controlled design. Within the intervention, first-degree family members who would participate in the patient's care received training covering the surgical process, care needs, and psychosocial support strategies, and were actively engaged in both pre- and postoperative patient care. The results demonstrated that the family involvement-based intervention significantly reduced patients' anxiety, enhanced independence, and improved psychological resilience. These findings highlight that family involvement contributes not only to the physical care of CABG patients but also to their psychosocial adaptation and recovery processes. As one of the first studies to address these dimensions simultaneously, this research provides an original contribution to strengthening family-centered care in nursing practice and restructuring surgical patient care protocols.