Problem of anxiety experienced by cardiac surgery patients

Abstract
This paper proposes focuses on problem of anxiety experienced by cardiac surgery patients aged 50 years and above and impact of interventions in reducing anxiety. Mikostch (2010) found out that psychological interventions have a positive effect on the health of patients, as patients are better able to handle anxiety and deal with stress. It is necessary to utilize effective approaches in handling patients and enabling them to use coping strategies to improve health outcomes (Pritchard, 2009). This is in turn related to cardiac mortality and morbidity, with patient education meant to improve patient knowledge. The Cognitive Behavioral Theory is applicable in the project, as patient perception does affect their quality of life. Through focusing on the thought processes it is possible to alter the behavior of patients from having negative thoughts to positive thoughts on interventions, and this then has a positive effect on patient health outcome (Hoffmann & Smits, 2008). Incorporating the theory in the project is necessary before and after the surgery. Thus, when implementing the proposed strategy it is critical to highlight on the benefits of interventions and how they influence surgical outcome. The nursing staff also needs to know how to evaluate and identify patient anxiety to facilitate anxiety management, and this is possible through well targeted education. It is necessary to take into account staff perception and the attitudes of patients before evaluation of the project as this will likely improve success of the project. Overall, disseminating results to the stakeholders should increase support for the project and improve preoperative and postoperative education.
Key words: Preoperative and Postoperative patients, Cardiac surgery, Pain management, Pain and anxietyConclusion
Patients who are likely to undergo cardiac surgery are likely to have anxiety and fear before and after the surgery. It is pertinent to tackle this issue among patients who are 50 and older through interventions before and after surgeries. Essentia...