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

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.