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A Systematic Review of the Potential of Cold Compresses Therapy: Strategy for Preventing Hematoma and Alleviating
Firman Sugiharto1, Irma Yusanti1, Wulan Puspita Sari1
1Master Study Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia.
Insights
Cold compress therapy, applied for 15-20 minutes, can effectively prevent hematomas and reduce pain after cardiac catheterization. This non-invasive method offers a valuable nursing strategy for post-procedure patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Nursing
- Interventional Cardiology
- Patient Recovery Strategies
Background:
- Cardiac catheterization procedures are frequently associated with complications like hematoma and pain.
- These complications lead to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.
- Existing research suggests cold compress therapy's efficacy, but a comprehensive synthesis is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness of cold compress therapy in preventing hematoma and alleviating pain post-cardiac catheterization.
- To explore cold compress therapy as a potential nursing intervention for post-cardiac catheterization patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to PRISMA Extension guidelines was conducted.
- Literature search across six databases (CINAHL Medline Plus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Taylor and Francis) and Google Scholar.
- Quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute tools; thematic data synthesis.
Main Results:
- Twelve articles were analyzed, indicating positive outcomes for cold compress therapy.
- Application of cold compresses for 15-20 minutes showed potential in preventing hematomas.
- Cold compress therapy demonstrated effectiveness in reducing post-procedure pain.
Conclusions:
- Cold compress therapy is a viable strategy for preventing hematomas and managing pain in patients after cardiac catheterization.
- Nurses can integrate cold compress therapy into nursing care plans for enhanced patient recovery.
- This non-pharmacological approach supports improved patient outcomes and potentially reduces healthcare costs.
Background:
Patients still frequently report complications after cardiac catheterization procedures, such as hematoma and pain. These complications increase the length of stay and hospital costs. Several studies have determined cold compress therapy's effectiveness in preventing hematomas and reducing pain in patients after cardiac catheterization. However, to date, no review study has synthesized this comprehensively.
Purpose:
This review aimed to explores the potential of cold compress therapy as a strategy for preventing hematoma and alleviating pain in post-cardiac catheterization patients.
Methods:
Systematic review was reported based on the PRISMA Extension. A literature search used relevant keywords from six primary databases, such as CINAH Medline Plus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Taylor and Francis, and one search engine, Google Scholar. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist and Risk of Bias. Data synthesis was used thematically with an explorative, descriptive approach.
Results:
This review found and analyzed twelve articles. Based on the results of the analysis, cold compress therapy for 15 to 20 minutes can potentially prevent hematomas and reduce pain in patients after cardiac catheterization.
Conclusion:
This review concludes that cold compress therapy can potentially prevent hematomas and reduce pain in this population. Health workers, especially nurses, can consider cold compress therapy as a strategy in the nursing care program for patients after cardiac catheterization.

