Combining action research theory with focus-solving short-term psychotherapy for psychological stress, adjustment, and rehabilitation in patients with postoperative acute myocardial infarction following percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: To evaluate the impact of combining action research theory with focus-solving short-term psychotherapy on the psychological stress, adjustment, and rehabilitation of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Between January 2022 and January 2023, a prospective study was conducted involving 300 AMI patients at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Participants were divided into a control group and a study group, with 150 patients in each. The control group received standard treatment and rehabilitation guidance, while the study group also received interventions based on action research theory and focus-solving short-term psychotherapy. Outcomes measured included scores from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Mental Health Inventory (MHI), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Essential Skills for Caregivers Assessment (ESCA), and patient satisfaction. Prognostic factors were also analyzed. Results: Post-intervention, the study group demonstrated significantly lower scores in HAMA and HAMD and reported less psychological pain, alongside higher scores in psychological well-being, compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the study group showed improved neurological function (NIHSS scores) and motor skills (FMA scores) as well as enhanced self-care abilities (higher ESCA scores) (all P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was also notably higher in the study group (P < 0.05). Key prognostic factors included history of diabetes, Killip classification, and door-to-balloon (DTB) time. Conclusion: The integration of action research theory with focus-solving short-term psychotherapy significantly alleviated anxiety and depression in AMI patients post-PCI, enhanced their psychological adjustment, and facilitated the recovery of neurological and motor functions. This approach also improved self-care capabilities. Effective management of underlying conditions, vigilant monitoring of Killip classification, and minimization of DTB time are critical to reducing major adverse cardiac events and improving patient outcomes.