Effectiveness of Education based on Orem's Self-Care Model in Self-Care Activity of Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Several studies have shown that the self-care activity of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator is inadequate. This study was conducted to assess the effect of an educational program based on the Orem’s self-care model in self-care ability of the patients. Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted among 66 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Four educational sessions were held based on the patient''s needs and Orem’s self-care model. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire at baseline and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using statistical tests (x2، t-test، paired t-test) in the SPSS-18. There were no significant differences in the self-care awareness، tendency to self-care، self-care skills، and self-care ability between the control and intervention groups. After the intervention، the self-care awareness score remained 22. 06 ± 3. 26 in the control group and increased (28. 69 ± 1. 51) in the intervention group (P<0. 000). There was also significant difference in the tendency to self-care between the control (25 ± 3. 31) and intervention (28. 9 ± 1. 33) groups (P<0. 000). The self-care skills differed significantly between the control (14. 9±3. 06) and intervention (29. 03±1. 15) groups after the intervention (P<0. 000). After the intervention، the self-care ability was also significantly different among the control (61. 96±8. 06) and intervention (86. 63±2. 93) groups (P<0. 000). The results of this study showed that implementing educational programs based on the Orem’s self-care model can improve self-care ability in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Applying this method is recommended in nursing interventions to promote health status of the patients.