The Effect of Therapeutic Communication-Based Education on Intubation Responses, Agitation, and Weaning Time in Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery: A Post-Test Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of preoperative and postoperative education given according to therapeutic communication stages on intubation responses, agitation behaviors, and weaning time in patients undergoing open heart surgery. A randomized, quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected between October 10, 2022, and January 7, 2023, using a sociodemographic information form prepared by the researcher, the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), and an intubation response observation checklist. A numerical anxiety scale (control variable) was administered to both groups before the surgery. The experimental group received an education program based on a structured therapeutic communication process before and after the surgery. The control group received standard care only. After surgery, the RASS and intubation response observation forms were administered to both groups. Data analysis was performed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, skewness-kurtosis values, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent samples t-test. A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). When evaluating the patients' responses to intubation, the control group scored significantly higher than the experimental group in terms of “wrinkled facial expression” and “gathering the sheet with their hands.” No significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in terms of RASS scores and extubation times. Integrating therapeutic communication-based education into preoperative and postoperative patient care protocols may alleviate patients' responses during intubation. Therefore, this education program should be implemented for patients.