Effect of training and post discharge follow-up on self- care behavior of patients with ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of adequate information related to disease and self- care after discharge leads to poor self-care, readmissions and low quality of life for patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of training and post discharge follow-up on self- care behavior of patients with ischemic heart disease. Materials and Methods: In this single blind randomized clinical control trial study (2015), 90 patients with ischemic heart disease hospitalized at Cardiac Care Units and were divided in 1 control group and 2 intervention groups by Block random allocation method. Control group received only usual training for discharge. One intervention group received usual post discharge training and call follow- up for 1 month. Another intervention group received complete training package and comprehensive follow-up for 1 month. Valid and reliable Miller self-care behavior tool for patients with cardiovascular diseases were used for data collection. They were completed at discharge day, 15 and 30 days after discharge for each patient. Results: In complete training package group with comprehensive follow-up, means of self-care score were 60.2 ± 13.6, 87.6± 6.5 and 86.9± 8.9 at discharge day, 15 and 30 day, respectively. Means of self-care score in usual post discharge training and call follow up were 64.7 ± 19, 82.9± 8.6 and 80.9± 9.5 at discharge day, 15 and 30 days, respectively. In control group, means of score were 69.6 ± 10.7, 82.6±6.2 and 78± 10.8 at discharge day, 15 and 30 days, respectively. Conclusion:  Results showed that self-care score was increased following 15 days and was decreased after 30 days. This reduction was subtle in the group receiving comprehensive training package with follow-up and reflects the impact of this program on the continuation of self-care.

Keywords

• Myocardial Ischemia
• Patient Discharge
• Continuity of Patient Care
• Self Care