Integrating Psychosocial Screening Into Cardiac Nursing: Feasibility of Nurse-Led Type D Personality Assessment for Predicting Emotional Recovery in Coronary Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression and Type D (distressed) personality have been associated with poor prognosis and slower emotional recovery in patients with coronary heart disease. Despite this evidence, systematic psychosocial screening remains limited in cardiac nursing practice. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of nurse-led Type D personality (TDP) screening and its potential role in predicting emotional recovery among patients hospitalised in a coronary care unit (CCU). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Data were collected through validated self-report questionnaires assessing TDP, coping strategies, anxiety and depression. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analyses and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: 110 CCU patients took part in the study. Type D personality was identified in (n = 32.5%) of participants. Patients with TDP demonstrated significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression and more frequent use of maladaptive coping strategies. Regression analyses revealed that TDP and avoidant coping were independent predictors of anxiety and depression scores, explaining a significant proportion of variance in emotional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led psychosocial screening for TDP is feasible in the CCU setting and provides valuable information for identifying patients at risk of poor emotional recovery. Integrating this assessment into nursing care may promote holistic management and improve psychological support during cardiac rehabilitation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Routine psychosocial screening by nurses can facilitate early detection of distressed cardiac patients and guide targeted interventions. Incorporating Type D personality assessment into standard nursing procedures may enhance emotional recovery, reduce psychological morbidity and contribute to comprehensive cardiac care.