@article { author = {Dianati, Mansour and Rezaei Asmaroud, Sara and Shafaghi, Shadi and Farah Naghashzadeh, Farah}, title = {Effects of an Empowerment Program on Self-Care Behaviors and Readmission of Patients with Heart Failure: a Randomized Clinical Trial}, journal = {TANAFFOS (Respiration)}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {312-321}, year = {2020}, publisher = {National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran}, issn = {1735-0344}, eissn = {2345-3729}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: The prevalence of heart failure, as a serious health problem, is increasing around the world due to underlying factors, such as hypertension and diabetes. Although the patient’s cooperation in the treatment process plays a crucial role in treatment, only a few combinations of different approaches have been investigated so far. This study aimed to determine the effects of an empowerment program on the patients’ self-care behaviors and hospital readmission. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 120 patients with heart failure were divided into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, the empowerment program, including face-to-face training, educational booklets, and follow-up via Telegram messaging application, was implemented, while the control group only received standard care. Data were collected before the intervention and six months after the intervention, using a researcher-made questionnaire. The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) was completed for both groups. Results: The results indicated that all three self-care scales, namely, self-care maintenance, self-care management, and self-care confidence, significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the baseline (P=0.000), while the scores of these scales decreased in the control group (P=0.000). The frequency of hospital admission and the length of hospital stay also reduced in the experimental group (P=0.000 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of the demographic characteristics between the two groups. Conclusion: The empowerment program significantly improved the patients’ self-care behaviors and reduced the frequency and duration of hospitalization. Therefore, implementation of such programs is strongly suggested, especially in heart failure clinics.  }, keywords = {heart failure,Self-Care,Readmission}, url = {https://www.tanaffosjournal.ir/article_243446.html}, eprint = {https://www.tanaffosjournal.ir/article_243446_ca870febf63ba1eb8c98eff84e16c699.pdf} }