The Effect of Supportive - Educative Interventions on Self-care Behaviors & Readmission of Patients with Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Background Nowadays Chronic heart failure is a major health and social problem. Due to the chronic nature of the disease, self-care behaviors can has a major impact on managing of this chronic condition. Therefore To improve self-care behaviors and prevent potential self-care deficits, education and support can be important issues in nursing care in this population. Objectives: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a supportive educational intervention on CHF self-care behaviors and readmission rates of patients referred to Shahid Madani Medical Training & Research Hospital (Tabriz, Iran, 2011) for 3 months after discharge. Research Method: We conducted a prospective, randomized trial of an education and support intervention on self-care behaviors and three-month readmission or physician referral and costs of care for patients hospitalized with Hf. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to either supportive educational or to usual care. Data were collected using the, SCHFI (updated by Riegel, Dickson & Carlson, 2009) and CHFPLNI (provided by Hagenhoff, Feutz, Conn, Sagehorn, Moranville, Hunziker, 1994). The data were analyzed using SPSS- 11. Results: There was no significant difference between self-care behaviors of the patients in case (Mean=13.75, SD=10.6) and control (Mean=18.52, SD=14.4) groups before intervention. However in comparison with control group self-care behaviors of experimental group had been significantly improved after three months (Mean=70.56, SD=15.43 vs Mean= 30.01, SD= 15.75). Also, re- hospitalization and physician referral rates as well as treatment costs showed a significant decrease in case group in comparison with the control group. The results indicated that Medication and diet information were identified as the most important to learn according by the HF patients in the intervention group. Discussion & Conclusion: Findings of this trial showed that, in addition to medical management performed by physicians and nurses, patients with chronic heart disease need to improve self-care and non -pharmaceutical treatment. Regarding the effect of this supportive-educational program on improvement of self-care behaviors as well as other outcomes, the health planners need to be mindful of them.