Effects of Video Visitation on Pain, Anxiety, Comfort, and Family Caregivers’ Anxiety in Intensive Care Unit Patients after Pulmonary Resection

Purpose : This study examined the effects of a video visitation intervention on pain, anxiety, comfort, and family caregiver anxiety in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after pulmonary resection.Methods : A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design study was conducted between July 10 and November 6, 2023. Patients scheduled for pulmonary resection and their primary family caregivers were recruited one day before the surgery after receiving the study information. The intervention consisted of a structured postoperative telephone explanation, followed by a video visitation between the patient and caregiver using a hospital-provided smartphone. Pain, anxiety, and comfort in patients, and anxiety in caregivers were measured using validated instruments. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANCOVA for patient outcomes, and paired t-tests and ANCOVA for caregiver anxiety.Results : Video visitations significantly reduced patients’ anxiety (F=5.89, p =.008) and improved comfort (F=12.56, p ‹.001). No significant effects were observed for pain (F=1.39, p =.254) or caregivers’ anxiety (t=1.03, p =.312).Conclusion : Video visitations had beneficial effects on anxiety and comfort in ICU patients after pulmonary resection. Further research is needed to determine the optimal use and evaluate broader clinical outcomes.