The Impact of Foot Reflexology on Suctioning-Induced Anxiety Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients in ICUs

Abstract

Background: Suctioning has been to date documented as one of the most painful and anxiety-inducing experiences among mechanically ventilated patients admitted to intensive care units.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the impact of foot reflexology, as a non-pharmacological method, on suctioning-induced anxiety in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Method: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 36 mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU of a military hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. The subjects were randomized into either the intervention group (foot reflexology) or the control group (routine care). After the completion of the suctioning procedure, the foot reflexology technique was applied for 20 minutes on reflex points of the heart and lungs (the anterior third of the sole of the foot) in the intervention group patients. Levels of anxiety were assessed using the Faces Anxiety Scale (FAS) before and after the intervention.Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in demographic characteristics and anxiety levels at the pre-intervention stage. However, anxiety was significantly reduced after foot reflexology treatment in the intervention group compared to the controls (p<0.001). Additionally, anxiety levels significantly decreased in the intervention group after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p<0.001), while increased in the control group (p=0.001).Implications for Practice: The results of the present study showed that foot reflexology is effective in reducing suctioning-induced in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it is recommended to use this non-pharmacological approach at the patient's bedside.

Keywords

• anxiety
• foot reflexology
• icu
• mechanical ventilation
• suctioning