The Effect of " Nurse Companionship" Program on Health Outcomes of Mothers undergoing Cesarean Section in Alzahra Training Center, 2016: Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Aim: Cesarean section is one of the most commonly used gynecological procedures in women, which is associated with many complications. The most important side effects are anxiety, pain, and changes in vital signs. Usually, the lack of control of these complications increases the dissatisfaction of mothers. There are a variety of therapies for controlling these complications. Although nurse companionship is one of these methods, there is not enough information about the mother's accompaniment by the trained nurse during the cesarean section. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of " nurse companionship " on the health outcomes of mothers, candidate for cesarean section. Materials and Method: This is a randomized clinical trial that was performed on 128 mothers, candidate for cesarean section at Alzahra Educational hospital in Tabriz, in 2017 by random allocation method. Mothers of the intervention group, in addition to routine care, were accompanied and supported by a nurse from one hour before to one hour after the cesarean section. The mothers received routine care of cesarean section. Data gathering tools included social-demographic profile, Spielberger questionnaire, VAS scale, digital brachial barometer, chronometer, and satisfaction questionnaire. Anxiety levels were measured one hour before and one hour after cesarean section, severity of pain and vital signs were measured at one hour before, during and one hour after cesarean section and the satisfaction was measured one hour after cesarean section. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24 using Mixed Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: The results of intervention and control groups showed that state anxiety was significant in the pre and post cesarean section (P <0.001), but the trait anxiety was not significant. Mother's support had a significant effect in reducing the pain during cesarean section (P = 0.025) and one hour after cesarean section (P <0.001), but had no significant effect on vital signs and satisfaction. Conclusion: The finding of the study indicated a positive effect of nurse companionship on reducing the anxiety, pain and vital signs changes of mothers in the process of cesarean section. Therefore, this method can be used as a non-invasive nursing care during surgery and in the operating room. Of course, prior to preparing for its implementation, the cost-effectiveness assessment of this intervention is recommended.