Improving patient outcomes: The impact of a liaison nurse on transfer anxiety and satisfaction in post-angiography ward transitions

Background & aim: Undergoing coronary angiography can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for patients. The liaison nurse plays a crucial role in bridging communication gaps, coordinating between departments, and ensuring smooth post-coronary angiography ward transitions to prevent potential complications. Providing patients with sufficient pre-procedural guidance through a liaison nurse may help alleviate anxiety and enhance overall satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the effect of having a liaison nurse in the post-coronary angiography department on patients' anxiety levels and satisfaction during their transfer to the angiography unit. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 61 eligible patients scheduled for coronary angiography between October 2019 and February 2020. Participants were selected using a combination of convenience sampling and random time-block allocation, dividing them into intervention (n = 31) and control (n = 30) groups. In the intervention group, a liaison nurse - a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing and five years of clinical experience - was present during the patient's transfer as per the physician's instructions. No liaison nurse was present in the control group. Data collection instruments included the Lamonica Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The mean anxiety scores before the intervention were 56.5 +/- 7.2 in the intervention group and 55.9 +/- 7.9 in the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUMS.REC.1398.456), and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Following the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the intervention group (28.4 +/- 9.4) was significantly lower compared to the control group (46.4 +/- 9.6) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean satisfaction score regarding nursing services in the intervention group (181.1 +/- 11.7) was notably higher than in the control group (155.8 +/- 11.1) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Utilizing a liaison nurse during post-coronary angiography ward transitions enhances patient satisfaction and reduces anxiety. Incorporating this role into nursing education programs and hospital care models is recommended to improve patient outcomes.