Application of relational tool to support acute cardiac patients' emotional recovery: analysis of effects during acute and follow-up care.

After an acute cardiac event, many patients experience emotional disturbance. This is a normal response to the event and to hospitalization, but, if not treated with emotive and social support, the symptoms can evolve, resulting in emotional and behavioural disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of the use of a new nursing relational tool, designed to support patients' emotional recovery.