The effect of education based on Orem’s self-care model on emotional reactions in patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of education based on Orem’s self-care model on emotional reactions in people with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).

ICD shock is unpredictable and associated with physical pain. After receiving shock, some patients find serious psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and stress. According to Orem, learning self-care activities can help a person to maintain health and well-being and increase the ability to adapt to illness.

In this quasi-experimental study, 60 people with ICD who were admitted to Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, were recruited. The data collection tool was a demographic form and DASS-21 questionnaire. The educational program based on Orem’s self-care model was performed in 3 sessions of 20-30 minutes based on individual self-care needs of the participants. Emotional responses were measured in two stages, before and one month after the end of intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.

Before intervention, the mean score for anxiety was 18.06±5.49 that decreased after intervention (11.26±3.49) (p≤0.0001). The mean score of depression was significantly decreased after intervention (10.78±3.91 against 16.28±5.96; (p≤0.0001). Before intervention, the mean score for stress was 23.58±6.17 that decreased after intervention (15.51±4.18) (p≤0.0001).

Application of Orem’s self-care model can be effective in reducing the intensity of emotional reactions in people with ICD. Nurses can play a role in reducing emotional reactions by implementing this model and assessing educational needs of patients.