Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Therapeutic Relationships to Mitigate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Although trauma significantly affects surgical patients, limited research exists on effective therapeutic strategies, particularly the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and therapeutic relationships in mitigating Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of ACT and therapeutic relationships for managing PTSD in surgical patients. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Springer, Google, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published between 2000 and 2022 in English and Bahasa. The search focused on keywords related to ACT, therapeutic relationships, and PTSD in surgical patients. The study selection process resulted in the identification of seven relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria. Results: The literature review identified PTSD as a significant issue for postoperative patients, adversely affecting various health outcomes, including rehospitalization rates, daily functioning, and overall recovery. ACT, a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach, emerged as a promising intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms by fostering acceptance of thoughts and feelings and enhancing patients' psychological flexibility. In addition, fostering therapeutic relationships between healthcare providers and patients showed potential for improving clinical outcomes. Although studies on the combined use of ACT and therapeutic relationships remain limited, initial evidence suggests that integrating these approaches may accelerate recovery and improve psychological outcomes for postoperative patients. Conclusion: This review underscores the potential of combining ACT and therapeutic relationships to mitigate PTSD symptoms in postoperative patients. Integrating these approaches into perioperative care could enhance psychological outcomes, foster patient engagement, and expedite recovery.