Effect of Planned Visit on Dysrhythmia in Cardiac Care Unit Patients

Background and Different types of dysrhythmia occur with different degrees after heart attack. Involved patients need specific care and should be admitted in coronary care unit (CCU). Visit is one of the basic needs of patients and their families during admission period but visits are limited in CCU. This research evaluated the effect of planned visits on occurrence of heart dysrhythmias in patients on CCU. In a quasi-experimental study, 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction (in Hamedan, Iran) were selected through convenience sampling in 2011. They were randomly assigned to either case group or control group. The case group was asked to name family members and significant others who they were more comfortable with and were interested in their visits. Individuals in the list were provided with appropriate training on visiting etiquette. In control group visits were done without any special training. Data was collected through a questionnaire and cardiac monitoring. Dysrhythmias were recorded in a check list before, during and after visits. Data was then analyzed in SPSS V.18. No significant difference was found in occurrence of sinus tachycardia, premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions before, during and after the visits (P>0.05). But significant differences were seen in the incidence of dysrhythmias in control group before, during and after the visits (P<0.05). Planned visits positively influenced the occurrence of dysthymias and reduced the incidence of some types of dysrhythmia such as tachycardia, premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contraction.