Comparing the effects of intraoperative information delivery via electronic patient tracking system and mobile phone on stress and coping ability among the family members of patients under coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background and aims: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with high levels of stress for patients’ family members. Information delivery to family members is a strategy with potential positive effects on their stress. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of intraoperative information delivery via electronic patient tracking system (EPTS) and mobile-based communication (MBC) on stress and coping ability among the family members of patients under CABG surgery. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 80 family members of patients under CABG surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to an EPTS and an MBC group. Intraoperative information delivery to family members in the EPTS and the MBC groups was performed using EPTS and hourly mobile phone contacts, respectively. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Coping Response Inventory. The SPSS software (v. 22.0) was used for data analysis through the Fisher’s exact, Chi-square, independent-sample t, and paired-sample t tests. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the pretest and the posttest mean scores of stress and coping ability (P>0.05). The mean scores of stress and coping ability did not significantly change in the EPTS group (P>0.05). Moreover, the mean score of coping ability did not significantly change in the MBC group (P=0.429), while the mean score of stress significantly decreased in this group (P=0.009). Conclusion: Intraoperative information delivery to family members through mobile phone contacts is effective in significantly reducing stress among the family members of patients under CABG. Healthcare providers can use the findings of the present study to provide quality care to patients’ family members.