Effects of emotional freedom technique on postoperative pain and anxiety in patients undergoing total knee replacement: a randomised controlled experimental study
Journal of Research in Nursing, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1177/17449871261441164
- Journal Name: Journal of Research in Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Psycinfo
- Keywords: anxiety, complementary therapies, nursing, pain, total knee replacement
- Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background and aims: This randomised controlled experimental study aims to determine the effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) applied in the postoperative period on pain and anxiety in patients who have had total knee replacement surgery. Methods: The study sample comprised 80 patients (40 experimental, 40 control) selected via block randomisation. A Patient Descriptive Information Form was used to collect socio-demographic data. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, STAI-T) and Subjective Unit of Experience Scale (SUE) were employed to assess and compare the effects of the intervention on postoperative pain, anxiety and subjective emotional states across both groups. Results: Pre-test STAI-S and VAS scores showed no significant differences between group (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated statistically significantly lower STAI-S and VAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This shows that, after the intervention, patients who received EFT experienced lower levels of postoperative state and pain compared with patients who received standard care. Conclusion: EFT is a potent, non-pharmacological, nurse-led intervention for reducing postoperative pain and state anxiety. Implementing EFT can enhance recovery quality and promote a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to care while reducing reliance on pharmacological analgesics.