Randomized Controlled Trial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Psychiatry. Feb 19, 2025; 15(2): 99449
Published online Feb 19, 2025. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.99449
Impact of 222-nm ultraviolet disinfection combined with psychological care on the emotional and hospital infection of critical patients
Li-Juan Wang, Mei-Juan Wang, Lan Jing, Ran Su, Qiu-Ju Jian, Zhi-Yun Zhang, Mei-Lian Xie
Li-Juan Wang, Mei-Juan Wang, Lan Jing, Ran Su, Qiu-Ju Jian, Department of Emergency, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
Zhi-Yun Zhang, Mei-Lian Xie, Department of Nursing, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
Co-corresponding authors: Zhi-Yun Zhang and Mei-Lian Xie.
Author contributions: Wang LJ designed the study; Wang LJ, Wang MJ, Jing L, Su R, Jian QJ, Zhang ZY, and Xie ML analyzed the data; Wang LJ and Wang MJ were involved in the data collection and writing of this article. Zhang ZY and Xie ML as co-corresponding authors, Zhang ZY and Xie ML both played indispensable leadership and guidance roles in this study, jointly assuming the important responsibilities of corresponding authors. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University “Sailing Plan”, No. DTQH-202405.
Institutional review board statement: The Institutional Review Board of Beijing Ditan Hospital [No. DTEC-KY2024-002(E)], Capital Medical University reviewed and approved this study.
Clinical trial registration statement: Clinical trials registered in research registry: Researchregistry10861.
Informed consent statement: All study participants and their legal guardians provided written informed consent before enrolment.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
CONSORT 2010 statement: The authors have read the CONSORT 2010 statement, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CONSORT 2010 statement.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Zhi-Yun Zhang, Department of Nursing, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Jingshun East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China. zzy1968chn@163.com
Received: October 23, 2024
Revised: November 26, 2024
Accepted: December 19, 2024
Published online: February 19, 2025
Processing time: 82 Days and 23 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND

Empathetic psychological care improves mood and enhances the quality of life in critically ill patients.

AIM

To study the impact of combining 222-nm ultraviolet (UV) disinfection with empathetic psychological care on emotional states, nosocomial infection rates, and quality of life in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A total of 202 critically ill patients admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital (December 2023 to May 2024) were randomly assigned to control (Ctrl, n = 101) or observation groups (Obs, n = 101). The Ctrl group received 222-nm UV disinfection and routine care, while the Obs group received 222-nm UV disinfection with empathetic psychological care. Emotional states [Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)], hospital infection rates, quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were no significant differences in SAS and SDS scores between the groups (P > 0.05). Following care, both groups demonstrated reductions in SAS and SDS scores, with the Obs group exhibiting a significantly greater reduction (P < 0.05). The Obs group also experienced a significantly lower overall hospital infection rate (P < 0.05). Similarly, while baseline 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores did not differ significantly between the groups (P > 0.05), post-care scores improved in both groups, with a greater improvement observed in the Obs group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Obs group reported higher patient satisfaction ratings (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of 222-nm UV disinfection and empathetic psychological care improves emotional states, reduces hospital infection rates, enhances the quality of life, and increases patient satisfaction among critically ill patients.

Keywords: Critically ill patients; 222-nm ultraviolet disinfection system; Empathetic psychological care; Emotional state; Nosocomial infection

Core Tip: In the intensive care unit, effective disinfection and psychological care are crucial for critically ill patients. Enhancing disinfection efficacy not only reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections, safeguarding patients from infectious diseases, but also boosts their trust in the healthcare environment. By providing timely psychological support and intervention, it helps patients better cope with the stress and anxiety brought on by their illnesses, strengthening their psychological resilience. This comprehensive approach to care not only elevates the quality of life for patients but also facilitates their recovery process, ultimately achieving better therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction.