A single-case experimental design A-B with prospective follow-up. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) to screen for depressive and anxiety symptoms, one week later after hospital discharge. Those with moderate or severe symptoms received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and were evaluated over time with the instruments and daily self-report of symptoms.

The investigator adapted the manual of psychological intervention based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which previously was validated in patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients received CBT using a model of six modules, with a time of 60 minutes for each weekly session. For each module, a skill acquisition criterion was used, to know if the participants were putting the techniques into practice in their daily lives and to know if it was pertinent to move on to the next module. Modules were adapted to the needs of each participant. In consequence, the number of sessions was different for each patient. All participants had a follow-up session one month after they finished the psychological therapy. Additionally, a daily self-record of symptoms perception and a short questionnaire on the usefulness of each technique used were sent daily to the participants via a phone text message.

Psychological behavior changes were evaluated by the anxious symptoms score (mild, moderate, and severe) using General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7).

Psychological behavior changes were evaluated by the depressive symptoms score (mild, moderate, and severe) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

The utility of each technique used for the management of psychological symptoms was evaluated by the general perception scale using a short questionnaire with daily self-record of symptoms perception (0-10 scale).