Hopsital Settings

Interventions to Reduce Burnout and Improve the Mental Health of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials with Meta-Analysis

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques for Reducing Anxiety in Open Wound Patients: Literature Review

The Effect of "HENS" Application (Healthy Emotional Freedom Technique of Stroke Patients) on the Stress Level of Post Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is characterized by neurological deficits resulting fromacute focal injury to the central nervous system, originating from blood vessels such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study explores the effectiveness of a mind body therapy, specifically the HENS application on Android in reducing stress in post stroke patients.

Method: The study employs a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test with control group. The sampling technique in the study was convenience sampling with a sample size of 48 poststroke patients (24 for each intervention and control group). The HENS application was given to the intervention group. Data was collected using the DASS-42 questionnaire to measure stress level. Paired t-Test and Independent t-Test were used in this study to determine differences in one pre-post paired group and to analyze the changes after intervention between two different groups (post-post intervention)

Result: The results revealed significant changes in stress levels before and after the six-day intervention with the HENS Application. The intervention group showed a p value=0.000 indicating a significant reduction in stress levels. In contrast, p value for the control group’s was 0.853, suggesting no significant change without treatment. Conclusion: The HENS application has the potential to provide post-stroke patients with independent support for managing stress. It offers clear and useful guidelines for implementing HENS techniques which can improve confidence of post stroke patients in independently managing stress.

Citation (APA Style): Yuni Widyawati, I., Nopita Wati, N. M., Liem, K., & Putu Thrisna Dewi, N. L. (2024). The effect of “HENS” application (healthy emotional freedom technique of stroke patients) on the stress level of post stroke patients. Indonesian Nursing Journal of Education and Clinic (INJEC), 9(1). https://doi.org/10.24990/injec.v9i1.644

Direct link: https://injec.aipni-ainec.org/index.php/INJEC/article/view/558

Emotional Freedom Techniques and Oxytocin Stimulation Massages that Effectively Reduce Anxiety and Increase Smooth Breast Milk Production of Nursing Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal anxiety is potentially increased by postpartum psychological changes and the perceived inability to breastfeed effectively. The increase in adrenaline levels could further reduce the resistance and trust of mothers, inhibiting oxytocin and the ability of prolactin to secrete and create milk.

Objectives: Therefore, this research aimed to determine the effectiveness of Oxytocin Stimulation Massage (OSM) and Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) in reducing anxiety and increasing smooth breast milk production.

Methods: The quantitative method was used with a control group to assess the effects of intervention and investigate the relationship between anxiety and the smooth breast milk production of nursing mothers in Public Health Centers, Tasikmalaya.

Results: The results showed a difference in average anxiety scores of the nursing mothers before and after the therapy. The intervention group had a lower score of 1.19 compared to the control group, r = 0.432 (r > 0.05). Furthermore, there was a difference in the average smooth breast milk production before and after the therapy, with the intervention group having a lower score of 8.3 compared to the control group of r = 0.129 (r> 0.05). This research showed that the intervention group had a negative and weak correlation between anxiety and smooth breast milk production after the therapy, with a Pearson correlation of -0.037, R-count, and R-count < R-table at a significance value of 0.854. Finally, EFT was effectively applied to reduce the anxiety of nursing mothers (Cohen's D value = 1.76) and increase smooth breast milk production (Cohen's D value = 1.51).

Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of Oxytocin Stimulation Massage (OSM) and Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) in reducing maternal anxiety and enhancing smooth breast milk production. Although the correlation between anxiety reduction and milk production was weak, EFT notably reduced anxiety and improved lactation. These therapies show promises for supporting postpartum mothers and could be further developed into accessible, therapeutic applications for maternal care.

Citation (APA Style): Kartilah, T., & Februanti, S. (2024). Emotional Freedom Techniques and oxytocin stimulation massages that effectively reduce anxiety and increase smooth breast milk production of nursing mothers. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 16(02), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i02.005

Direct link: https://ejournal.lucp.net/index.php/mjn/article/view/2380/3301

Application of Emotional Freedom Technique to Reduce Anxiety in Patients with Gangrene Wounds

Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique Applied to Patients Before Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Surgical Fear and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques Implemented During Early Pregnancy on Nausea-Vomiting Severity and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on the severity of nausea-vomiting and anxiety in early pregnancy.

Design: The sample consisted of 131 pregnant women in the experimental and control groups between 6 and 16 weeks of pregnancy attending an antenatal clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to receive training on EFT or a control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, subjective experiences, the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis. Both groups attended two visits, a week apart. The participants in the EFT group received a session of EFT at each visit and completed two EFT sessions as home assignments, 2 and 4 days after the first visit. The participants in the control group attended two visits a week apart and completed assessments but did not receive EFT.

Results: There were 55 women in each group who completed the study, and the groups were similar in terms of baseline measures, including socioeconomic status, smoking status, previous pregnancy, severity of nausea-vomiting, and total pregnancy-related anxiety. EFT significantly reduced anxiety levels from the baseline to the second session (fear of delivery, worries about bearing a handicapped child, concern about one's own appearance) and total pregnancy-related anxiety (total pretest 29.85 ± 9.87, post-test 20.67 ± 8.38; p < 0.001), while the control group showed no reduction in pregnancy-related anxiety (total pretest 26.1 ± 7.79, post-test 25.98 ± 8.49; p = 0.933). Although nausea-vomiting was reduced in both groups over the two-session period, at the end of treatment, the EFT group had significantly lower nausea intensity (EFT group 4.4 ± 1.81, control group 5.36 ± 2.48; p = 0.02).

Conclusions: EFT is a nonpharmacologic intervention that can be effective in reducing nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in early pregnancy.

Citation (APA Style): Güven Santur, S., & Özşahin, Z. (2024). The Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques Implemented During Early Pregnancy on Nausea-Vomiting Severity and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine, 30(9), 858–868. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0586

Direct link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2023.0586

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Test Anxiety in Iranian Paramedical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Based on evidences, there has been no study conducted on the effects of emotional freedom techniques on Iranian medical students. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the impact of emotional freedom techniques on examination anxiety in Iranian nursing and allied students.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted in 2021. The sample included students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Paramedical Sciences enroled from the second to eighth semesters. Based on inclusion criteria, 30 students were assigned to each group. The test anxiety questionnaire was utilized to assess the test anxiety of students. The educational sessions in the intervention group were structured according to the Church’s educational package and were delivered in six non-face-to-face (online) sessions, each lasting 45 min, once a week. In the control group, no intervention was implemented. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics).

Results: The mean age of students in the intervention and control groups were 25.22±1.85 and 22.80±1.80 years, respectively. After the intervention, the mean examination anxiety in the experimental group (50.88) significantly decreased to within the moderate range (25–75), compared to the mean examination anxiety in the control group (65.36) within the same range (P<0.001). Furthermore, the ANCOVA analysis indicated that the group and examination anxiety before the intervention were statistically significant.

Conclusion: This positive impact on test anxiety is particularly promising for medical sciences students, who often endure heightened stress levels due to the rigorous nature of their studies and the demands of their profession.

Citation (APA Style): Azzizadeh Forouzi, M., Taebi, M., Samarehfekri, A., & Rashidipour, N. (2024). The effect of emotional freedom techniques on test anxiety in Iranian Paramedical students: a randomized controlled trial study. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 86(5), 2745–2751. https://doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000002023

Direct link: https://journals.lww.com/annals-of-medicine-and-surgery/fulltext/2024/05000/the_effect_of_emotional_freedom_techniques_on_test.67.aspx

Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on the Fear of Childbirth in Iranian Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Fear of childbirth is one of the main causes of women’s emotional difficulty experienced in the perinatal period, especially those having their first child.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on the fear of childbirth among primiparous women in Ahvaz, Iran.

Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 116 primiparous women. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n = 58) or control (n = 58) groups. The intervention group received daily stimulation of certain points in their body for 12 weeks using EFT. The fear of childbirth was measured at the beginning of the study and 12 weeks after the intervention using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ-A) and at the first postpartum visit with WDEQ-B. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results: After intervention, the mean score of fear of childbirth in the intervention group decreased from 49.39 ± 8.21 to 40.42 ± 13.43 (p < 0.0001), while the same rate in the control group increased from 49.47 ± 9.06 to 52.09 ± 7.73 (p = 0.002). The mean score of fear of childbirth after delivery in the control group (45.88 ± 7.10) was higher than that in the intervention group (27.13 ± 5.08) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, EFT can be considered as an effective method to reduce the fear of childbirth score in primiparous women.

Citation (APA Style): Emadi, S. F., Hekmat, K., Abedi, P., & Maraghi, E. (2024). Effect of emotional freedom technique on the fear of childbirth in Iranian primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1145229. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145229

Direct link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145229/full

Feasibility of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition, and techniques using sensory stimulation in processing traumatic memories have gained attention. The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychotherapy that combines tapping on acupoints with exposure to cognitive reframing. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of EFT as a treatment for PTSD by answering the following research questions 1) What is the compliance and completion rate of patients with PTSD with regard to EFT protocol? Is the dropout rate reasonable? 2) Is the effect size of EFT protocol for PTSD sufficient to justify a future trial?

Methods: Thirty participants diagnosed with PTSD were recruited. They received weekly EFT sessions for five weeks, in which they repeated a statement acknowledging the problem and accepting themselves while tapping the SI3 acupoint on the side of their hand. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) before and after the intervention.

Results: Of the 30 PTSD patients (mean age 34.1 ± 9.1, 80% female), 96.7% showed over 80% compliance to the EFT sessions, and 86.7% completed the entire study process. The mean PCL-5 total score decreased significantly after the intervention, with a large effect size (change from baseline -14.33 [95% CI -19.79, -8.86], p < 0.0001, d = 1.06).

Conclusion: The study suggests that EFT is a feasible treatment for PTSD, with high session compliance and low dropout rates. The effect size observed in this study supports the need for a larger trial in the future to further investigate EFT as a treatment for PTSD. However, the lack of a control group and the use of a self-rated questionnaire for PTSD symptoms are limitations of this study. The findings of this pilot study can be used to plan a future trial.

Citation (APA Style): Choi, Y., Kim, Y., Kwon, D. H., Choi, S., Choi, Y. E., Ahn, E. K., Cho, S. H., & Kim, H. (2024). Feasibility of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a pilot study. Journal of pharmacopuncture, 27(1), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2024.27.1.27

Direct link: view.html?doi=10.3831/KPI.2024.27.1.27

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Postpartum Depression, Perceived Stress, and Anxiety

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) group intervention on perceived stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in women in the postpartum period.

Design: A one-group pre- and posttest quasi-experimental design.
Setting/Local Problem
Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety affect nearly one in five women in the first 12 months after childbirth. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant worsening of symptoms of PPD, stress, and anxiety in this population. Mental health screening is the standard of care in perinatal settings. This practice has led to an increased rate of PPD and anxiety diagnoses and the need for evidence-based nonpharmacologic interventions to support mothers with PPD and anxiety.

Participants: Eleven mothers seeking care for lactation concerns who screened positive for PPD and anxiety symptoms.
Intervention/Measurements
A total of eight 1-hour group EFT sessions were offered to participants over a period of 4 weeks. During the group sessions, participants were taught how to perform the steps of EFT and apply it in a supportive group format. Measurement tools included the Subjective Unit of Distress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7. The preintervention and postintervention scores of these tools were compared using a paired-samples t test.

Results: After implementing EFT as a group intervention, we observed a reduction in mental health burden experienced by women in the postpartum period. There was a statistically significant decrease in depression (p = .003), anxiety (p <.001), and perceived stress (p <.001) scores 1 month after the EFT intervention.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that EFT may be a viable adjunctive intervention for managing depression, anxiety, and stress in the postpartum period. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm these findings.

Citation (APA Style): Robbins, N., Harvey, K., & Moller, M. D. (2024). Emotional Freedom Techniques for Postpartum Depression, Perceived Stress, and Anxiety. Nursing for women's health, 28(1), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2023.09.005

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751485123002477?via%3Dihub

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping for Pediatric Emergency Department Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Pilot Intervention

Abstract

Objective: Emergency-department (ED) staff may experience psychologic distress due to the stressful nature of their work. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this distress. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping, a somatic psychophysiologic intervention combining vibratory acupressure with elements of cognitive–behavioral and exposure therapies, can reduce psychologic distress. This study tested the short-term effect of 10-minute EFT tapping on the psychologic distress of pediatric ED staff responding to COVID-19.

Materials and Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, diverse staff in the pediatric ED of a New York City teaching hospital participated in this single-group study. A licensed creative arts therapist led participants in 10-minute EFT tapping sessions. A self-report questionnaire with 7 items based on the Trauma Exposure Response framework was administered immediately pre- and postintervention. Standardized mean differences between both timepoints were calculated.

Results: There were statistically significant reductions for 6 of the 7 items studied, including stress (3.32–2.14), obsessive and intrusive thoughts (2.50–1.85), feelings of pressure (3.20–2.17), loneliness (1.84–1.44), and emotional and physical pain (2.28–1.70); all P < 0.001. No significant changes in professional satisfaction were reported following the intervention.

Conclusions: Despite the limitations of a single-arm study design, a 10-minute brief EFT tapping session was a promising way to reduce short-term psychologic distress in pediatric ED health care workers. Future studies, including rigorous randomized controlled trials, are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of brief EFT tapping interventions in other settings.

Citation (APA Style): Bifano, S. M., Szeglin, C. J., Garbers, S., & Gold, M. A. (2024). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping for Pediatric Emergency Department Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Pilot Intervention. Medical acupuncture, 36(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2023.0099

Direct link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acu.2023.0099

Six-Month Follow-Up Comparing AIT and EFT in the Reduction of Negative Emotions Associated with a Past Memory

Abstract

Statistics have shown that about sixty percent of individuals with psychiatric illness do not respond adequately to standard treatments, yet only 1% of research studies are focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for these patients (McIntyre et al., 2023). This study investigated the long-term efficacy of Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) as compared to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), specifically evaluating the durability of the resolution of emotional distress tied to a single memory six months post-treatment. The study began with 72 participants: and 51 completed a follow-up survey, resulting in a response rate of 70.8%. The sample was predominantly female (65%), non-Hispanic (80%), and employed (84%). Demographically, over 40% identified as White, 29.4% as Asian, 9.8% as Black, and 9.8% as “other” racial backgrounds. Of those surveyed, 43 participants (84.3%) accurately recalled which treatment group they were assigned to, with 28 (65%) in the EFT group and 15 (35%) in the AIT group. At the six-month follow-up, the study found no significant differences in Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) scores between the two groups (1.7 ± 0.5 for AIT vs. 1.3 ± 0.6 for EFT, p = 0.1), suggesting that both therapies are equally effective in producing a durable reduction in reducing emotional distress over time. Both groups maintained low SUD scores (78.6% in AIT vs. 60.0% in EFT, p > 0.05). Historical SUD scores were not significantly different as well (1.03 ± 1.10 vs. 1.29 ± 0.71, p = 0.2), further supporting an equivalent efficacy between the interventions.

Citation (APA Style): Brown, G., Batra, K., Dorin, E., Han, A., Palermini, A., Sottile, R., & Khanbijian, S. (2024). Six-Month Follow-Up Comparing AIT and EFT in the Reduction of Negative Emotions Associated with a Past Memory. Psychology, 15, 1886- 1897. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2024.1512109

Direct link: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=138277

Research on EFT in Hospital Settings

Interventions to Reduce Burnout and Improve the Mental Health of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques for Reducing Anxiety in Open Wound Patients: Literature Review

Abstract

The Effect of "HENS" Application (Healthy Emotional Freedom Technique of Stroke Patients) on the Stress Level of Post Stroke Patients

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Techniques and Oxytocin Stimulation Massages that Effectively Reduce Anxiety and Increase Smooth Breast Milk Production of Nursing Mothers

Abstract

Application of Emotional Freedom Technique to Reduce Anxiety in Patients with Gangrene Wounds

Abstract

Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique Applied to Patients Before Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Surgical Fear and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques Implemented During Early Pregnancy on Nausea-Vomiting Severity and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Test Anxiety in Iranian Paramedical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on the Fear of Childbirth in Iranian Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Feasibility of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Postpartum Depression, Perceived Stress, and Anxiety

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping for Pediatric Emergency Department Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Pilot Intervention

Abstract

Six-Month Follow-Up Comparing AIT and EFT in the Reduction of Negative Emotions Associated with a Past Memory

Abstract