Reducing cardiac catheterization-related anxiety: acceptability of a complex intervention

Objective: To analyze the acceptability of people undergoing unscheduled cardiac catheterization about a complex nursing intervention (CI) to reduce anxiety. Methods: This is a qualitative and evaluative study of the acceptability of 15 participants who underwent cardiac catheterization regarding a nursing CI. Data collection was carried out in the emergency unit of a highly complex hospital in the city of São Paulo, specialized in cardiology. Participants had a diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome and received the CI, consisting of a musical and educational component, called Education and Music Intervention to Reduce Anxiety (EMIRA). Data were collected from September to October 2021, and participants underwent a semi-structured interview. The guiding questions of the interview were elaborated based on Kazdin. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for Bardin’s content analysis. To analyze EMIRA participants’ participants, Representations of Everyday Life’s theoretical contribution was used. Results: Acceptability analysis in relation to EMIRA allowed identifying three categories: EMIRA complex intervention: new experience that helps to understand cardiac catheterization; Complex EMIRA intervention: an experience that generates satisfaction; and EMIRA complex intervention: an anxiety-relieving experience. Participants reported feelings of calm, relief, tranquility, satisfaction, and recommended using EMIRA. Conclusion: Participants’ experience with EMIRA was positive, suggesting good acceptability of CI by people awaiting unscheduled catheterization in the emergency unit.