The effectiveness of stress and anxiety management interventions for adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in healthcare facilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives The overall objective of this review is to synthesise the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of stress and anxiety management interventions in relieving stress and anxiety among adult patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in healthcare facilities. Question What is the effectiveness of stress and anxiety management interventions for adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in healthcare facilities? Inclusion Criteria Types of participants The review will consider studies with participants who; • are adult patients of any gender between 18- 65 years of age; • have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (namely; degenerative changes of the blood vessels, extraneous infections and congenital heart diseases) with no specifications to the stage or severity of the disease or presence of co-morbidities; and • are hospitalised/have regular visits at healthcare facilities, including hospitals and community based settings, such as; rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, outpatient clinics. Types of interventions The review will consider studies that examine any stress and anxiety management interventions that affect stress and anxiety levels among adult patients with cardiovascular disease. Studies can be either individual or group and unlimited to the number, duration, timing or intensity of the sessions. No preference is set on the type of personnel delivering the intervention or the presence of other co-interventions. Stress and anxiety management interventions include, but are not limited to, behavioural therapy, meditation and relaxation training. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that quantitatively measured as outcomes the levels of stress and anxiety by any standardised measurements instruments/scales.