Emotional freedom technique before Lumbar disc herniation surgery and the effect of music on anxiety and vital signs

Aim: This study aims to determine effect of emotional freedom technique and music on patients' anxiety and vital signs before LDH surgery. Material and method: This single-blind semi-experimental research with pretest-posttest control group was conducted September 2017-September 2019. Study population consisted adult patients hospitalized with LDH in a brain surgery clinic of public hospital in Corum province. Sample consisted 162 patients (54 control, 54 music, 54 EFT) selected from population by random sampling method. Data were collected by Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale, Patient Identification Form, Vital Signs Record Sheet, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, t test in dependent groups, t test in independent groups and ANOVA tests were used in data analysis. Tukey test was used for further analysis. Results: There was no difference between state anxiety and SUD pre-test post-test mean scores of control group; however, scores of the experimental groups were found to decrease (p<0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed EFT was more effective on state anxiety (p:0.041). Pre-test and post-test comparisons of vital signs revealed decreases in pulse rate (p:0.046) in control group, pulse rate (p:0.005), respiration rate (p:0.000) and systolic blood pressure (p:0.046) in EFT and systolic (p:0.000) and diastolic (p:0.006) blood pressure in music group. Intergroup comparisons established EFT was more effective in respiratory rate (p:0.044). Conclusion: Study results demonstrated music and EFT before LDH surgery decreased anxiety and regulated vital signs, and EFT was more effective in regulating anxiety and respiratory rate. Keywords: Anxiety, Emotional Freedom Technique, Lumbar Disc Hernia, Music, Nursing, Vital Signs