Clinical Trial Summary
Materials and Methods
1. General information This study enrolled 153 patients with congenital glaucoma who were
treated at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. These patients were divided
into an observation group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 77) using a random number
table. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) meeting the diagnostic criteria for
glaucoma, (2) following the attending doctor's recommendations to receive surgical
treatment, and (3) volunteering to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were
as follows: (1) severe organic dysfunction, (2) cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular
diseases, (3) hypertension, (4) contraindications for surgery, (5) other eye diseases,
(6) communication disorders, and (7) mental illnesses. Informed consent with signature
was obtained from every participant, and the study has been approved by the hospital's
ethics committee.
2. Research methods The control group was provided with routine care, including warm
reception and provision of a quiet, clean, and well-ventilated ward environment for good
rest. Patients were educated to broaden their knowledge of the disease and related
surgical treatment, particularly the importance and outcomes of surgical treatment,
thereby allaying their feeling of fear and boosting their confidence in recovery.
Meanwhile, patients were encouraged to break their unhealthy habits, avoid bad diet
choices, and take medications on time.
The observation group received CBNI described as follows: (1) A cognitive-behavioral
intervention group was set up by several nurses who had a background of systematic
cognitive intervention training, were able to independently develop comprehensive
behavioral intervention plans and assess a patient's cognitive level, and had an
adequate understanding of the fundamentals of cognitive behavioral intervention. Through
thorough communication with patients, these nurses were supposed to identify their major
concerns and assess their cognitive behavior. Based on the assessment results,
psychological counseling was provided for every patient, with each session lasting at
least 50 minutes. In addition, the nurses were required to reassure all patients by
proactively introducing the precautions of surgery and nursing care. (2) Psychological
intervention was accessible to those who felt resistant to their treatment plans or
developed inferior feelings due to visual impairment to establish a good relationship
with patients and help them better cope with unhealthy emotions. Professional education
was provided through communication with patients so that they could gain detailed
knowledge of the disease. Chatting and music were useful to relieve tension and
psychological stress. Regular patient support groups were organized to help patients
develop confidence and a positive attitude toward the disease. (3) Health education was
provided through self-developed booklets and question-and-answer sessions to publicize
the fundamental knowledge and make sure all patients have a full understanding of the
disease and related treatments. The nurses were also required to closely monitor patient
compliance from the perspectives of diet, lifestyle, psychology, and treatment. (4)
Dietary guidelines were set out to encourage a light, healthy diet with fruits and
vegetables, free of irritating food, and containing a limited amount of oily food. It
should be noted that smooth bowel movements are essential to prevent increased IOP
induced by constipation. Therefore, the recommended diet is high in dietary fiber and
fruits. (5) Behavioral guidelines were developed to address the importance of quitting
tobacco use and prevent eye strain due to excessive eye use with tailored eye care
plans. The nurses were responsible for guiding the proper use of eye drops by patients,
reminding all patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experienced any eye
discomfort, and stressing the risk of increasing IOP due to prolonged periods of looking
down and other unhealthy habits.
3. Statistical analysis The software SPSS22.0 was used for data analysis. Measurement data
were expressed as "mean ± standard deviation (x±s)", and comparisons between the two
groups were examined by the t-test. Enumeration data were represented as percentages (%)
and inter-group comparisons were examined using the χ2 test. Significance was set at the
level of P <0.05.