CORRELATION BETWEEN CARDIAC NURSES’ COMMUNICATION STYLES AND PRE-PROCEDURAL ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION

Abstract

Background: Cardiac catheterization is a common invasive procedure that often induces significant pre-procedural anxiety among patients. Effective nurse-patient communication has been identified as a key factor in reducing anxiety, yet limited research has examined the direct relationship between communication styles and anxiety levels, particularly in cardiac care settings within South Asia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the correlation between cardiac nurses’ communication styles and pre-procedural anxiety among patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted using convenient sampling. A total of 384 adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization were enrolled. Data were collected using two validated (adopted) tools: a structured questionnaire assessing patients’ perception of nurses' communication styles and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for measuring anxiety levels. Both instruments were administered during the pre-procedural waiting period, prior to the cardiac catheterization Communication styles were categorized into four types: supportive, empathetic, directive, and neutral. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with Pearson correlation applied to examine the relationship between variables. Results: The majority of participants perceived nurses’ communication as supportive (34.4%) or empathetic (28.1%). Anxiety levels were moderate in 49.5% of patients and high in 30.7%. A statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found between communication style and anxiety (r = -0.487, p < 0.001), indicating that supportive and empathetic communication styles were associated with lower anxiety levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of effective communication by cardiac nurses in reducing pre-procedural anxiety. Emphasizing empathetic and supportive communication in nursing practice can enhance patient well-being and procedural outcomes.