Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Trauma Nursing Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
2
Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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
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