Open Access Indonesian Journal of Medical Reviews

Reducing Preoperative Anxiety: The Role of Anesthesia Provider Communication and Empathy

Yusdi Ghazaly — 2024-09-03

Preoperative anxiety is a common and significant issue that can negatively impact patient outcomes. Effective communication and empathy from anesthesia providers have been suggested as crucial factors in mitigating this anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anesthesia provider communication and empathy and preoperative anxiety levels in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. A prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the anesthesia provider's preoperative visit and again immediately before surgery. Anesthesia provider communication and empathy were evaluated using the CARE (Communication Assessment Tool for Anesthesia Providers) questionnaire and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), respectively. A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The mean preoperative anxiety score decreased significantly from before the anesthesia provider's visit to immediately before surgery (p < 0.001). Higher scores on the CARE questionnaire and the JSE were associated with a greater reduction in preoperative anxiety (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that both effective communication and empathy independently contributed to reducing preoperative anxiety. Anesthesia provider communication and empathy play a crucial role in reducing preoperative anxiety. Implementing communication and empathy training programs for anesthesia providers may improve patient experiences and surgical outcomes.

Exploring Anesthesia Practitioner Perspectives on Post-Spinal Anesthesia Assessment: Implications for Patient Safety and Recovery

Maria Delviana Nurdiani — 2024-09-03

Post-spinal anesthesia assessment is a critical component of patient care, ensuring the safe and effective recovery of patients following spinal anesthesia. Anesthesia practitioners play a pivotal role in conducting these assessments, yet their perspectives and experiences remain under-explored. This study aimed to investigate anesthesia practitioner perspectives on post-spinal anesthesia assessment, with a focus on identifying factors influencing assessment practices, challenges encountered, and implications for patient safety and recovery. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, employing semi-structured interviews with anesthesia practitioners involved in post-spinal anesthesia care. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns within the data. Anesthesia practitioners emphasized the importance of comprehensive and individualized assessments, considering factors such as patient comorbidities, surgical procedures, and anesthetic agents used. Challenges identified included time constraints, communication barriers, and variations in assessment protocols. Practitioners highlighted the need for standardized assessment tools and improved interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient safety and optimize recovery outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into anesthesia practitioner perspectives on post-spinal anesthesia assessment. The findings underscore the importance of addressing challenges and implementing strategies to improve assessment practices, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient safety and recovery following spinal anesthesia.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil for Pain Management in Parturient Women During the First Stage of Labor

Lusy Pratiwi — 2024-09-04

Labor pain is an unavoidable part of childbirth, often causing significant distress and anxiety in parturient women. While pharmacological pain management options exist, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological alternatives, such as aromatherapy, due to their potential to provide relief with minimal side effects. Lavender essential oil, in particular, has been recognized for its calming and analgesic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of lavender essential oil aromatherapy in reducing pain intensity during the first stage of labor. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 100 participant women experiencing their first stage of labor. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=50), receiving lavender essential oil aromatherapy, or the control group (n=50), receiving a placebo aromatherapy. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after the intervention. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean VAS score decreased from 7.2 ± 1.5 to 4.3 ± 1.2 in the intervention group, while the control group showed a decrease from 7.0 ± 1.6 to 6.2 ± 1.4. In conclusion, lavender essential oil aromatherapy appears to be an effective non-pharmacological method for reducing pain intensity during the first stage of labor. The findings suggest that it can be a valuable addition to the pain management strategies offered to women during childbirth.

Infant Massage: Examining the Influence of Health Education on Maternal Attitudes and Practices

Dela Namirah — 2024-09-04

Infant massage has been recognized for its potential benefits in promoting infant health and development, as well as enhancing maternal-infant bonding. However, the adoption of infant massage practices can be influenced by various factors, including maternal attitudes and knowledge. Health education interventions have been proposed as a means to improve maternal attitudes and practices related to infant massage. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured health education program on maternal attitudes and practices towards infant massage. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 120 mothers of infants aged 3-6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (receiving a structured health education program on infant massage) or a control group (receiving routine care). Data on maternal attitudes and practices towards infant massage were collected at baseline and three months post-intervention using validated questionnaires. The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal attitudes towards infant massage compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the intervention group reported a higher frequency of infant massage practices and increased confidence in performing infant massage techniques. In conclusion, the findings suggest that a structured health education program can effectively enhance maternal attitudes and practices toward infant massage. The implementation of such programs in healthcare settings may contribute to increased adoption of infant massage, potentially leading to improved infant health and well-being.

Beyond Clinical Outcomes: Exploring the Psychosocial and Physical Dimensions of Quality of Life in Tuberculosis Patients Receiving Outpatient Care

Sri Yuliyanti — 2024-09-05

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with significant implications for patients' quality of life (QoL). While clinical outcomes are crucial, understanding the broader impact of TB on patients' psychosocial and physical well-being is essential for comprehensive care. This study aimed to explore the multifaceted nature of QoL in TB patients receiving outpatient treatment, delving into both psychosocial and physical dimensions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among TB patients attending outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to assess QoL across eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models were employed to analyze the data. The study included 150 TB patients (mean age: 42.3 years, 58% male). The overall QoL was significantly impaired, with the mental health domain showing the most pronounced impact. Factors associated with poorer QoL included female gender, lower socioeconomic status, presence of comorbidities, and longer duration of TB treatment. Notably, social support emerged as a significant predictor of better QoL across multiple domains. TB significantly affects patients' QoL, extending beyond physical symptoms to encompass psychosocial well-being. Addressing mental health concerns, providing social support, and considering socioeconomic factors are crucial components of holistic TB care. The findings underscore the need for interventions that go beyond clinical management to enhance the overall QoL of TB patients.

Accelerating Uterine Involution: The Role of Postpartum Exercise in Primary Care Settings

Ermeida Nelli — 2024-09-05

Uterine involution, the process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state, is a critical physiological event in the postpartum period. Suboptimal involution can lead to complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and prolonged lochia. Postpartum exercise has been suggested to promote uterine involution, but its efficacy in primary care settings remains under-explored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured postpartum exercise program on uterine involution in women receiving care in primary care clinics. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving postpartum women attending primary care clinics. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, receiving a structured postpartum exercise program, or a control group, receiving standard postpartum care. The primary outcome was the rate of uterine involution, assessed through serial measurements of fundal height. Secondary outcomes included duration of lochia, postpartum pain, and maternal quality of life. The study enrolled 120 women (60 per group). The intervention group demonstrated a significantly faster rate of uterine involution compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the intervention group reported a shorter duration of lochia and improved quality of life scores. No significant differences were observed in postpartum pain between the groups. A structured postpartum exercise program implemented in primary care settings can effectively accelerate uterine involution and improve maternal well-being. These findings underscore the importance of integrating postpartum exercise into routine primary care for postpartum women.