Effects of an Orem-based Self-care Program on the Orem's Pattern of Lower-extremity Edema in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a cardiovascular disorder associated with long-term constraints in the patients' life. Open heart surgery is an effective treatment for CAD, and the postoperative complications require extensive care, especially by the patient. Self-care education plays a key role in this regard, particularly based on Orem self-care model. The present study aimed to investigating the effects of an Orem-based self-care program on Orem's pattern of lower-extremity edema in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

This clinical trial was conducted on 74 patients undergoing CABG at Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, who were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups using software. Data were collected using the need assessment form based on the Orem model, and edema was measured using a meter. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21.

The Orem-based self-care program reduced lower-extremity edema in the intervention group (before: 34.31±31, after: 32.14±2.87), while the changes in the control group were not significant (P>0.05).

According to the results, nursing patterns (e.g., Orem's model) could be used to enhance self-care abilities in patients requiring long-term care.