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Effects of Audiobook Application on Anxiety and Vital Signs in Patients Who Receive Non-Invasive Mechanical
1Department of Chest Diseases, Intensive Care Unit, Ege University Hospital, Bornova/İzmir, Türkiye.
Background:
Anxiety and unstable vital signs are frequently observed in patients undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), which can negatively affect treatment outcomes.
Aim:
This study assessed the impact of audiobook use on anxiety levels and vital signs in patients receiving NIMV support.
Study Design:
This study was carried out as a randomised controlled trial with 60 patients in the Department of Chest Diseases, ICU of a university hospital. Patients were assigned to an audiobook group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The audiobook group selected a book of their choice, which was played through headphones. Anxiety levels and vital signs were assessed before, during and after the intervention. Only routine care was administered to the control group.
Results:
The audiobook group demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety (Cohen's d=2.306, 95% CI [1.643, 2.957]) and improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Cohen's d=0.972, 95% CI [0.432, 1.504]) and Cohen's d=0.351, 95% CI [0.160, 0.860]), pulse rate (Cohen's d=0.856, 95% CI [0.323, 1.382]), respiratory rate (Cohen's d=1,060, 95% CI [0.515, 1.598]), and SpO2 (Cohen's d=0.772, 95% CI [0.243, 1.294]) compared with the control group at the final measurements, consistent with the within-group evaluations. The control group did not exhibit any notable changes (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The calming effect of audiobooks may help distract patients from the discomfort associated with NIMV, thereby improving their physiological and psychological well-being. However, the study is limited by the single application of the intervention and the exclusive use of oro-nasal masks, which may restrict the generalisability of the results. The use of audiobooks positively impacts anxiety and vital signs in patients receiving NIMV support, suggesting its potential as a supportive, non-invasive therapy. Further research should explore long-term effects and broader patient populations.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
This study highlights that critical care nurses can use audiobook interventions as a non-pharmacological approach to reduce anxiety and stabilise vital signs in patients receiving NIMV, thereby improving comfort and patient cooperation during treatment.
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