Effectiveness of A Supportive-Educational Program based on COPE Model on Resilience among Family Caregivers of Patients with Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Heart failure influences patients and their family caregivers. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the supportive-educational program based on the Creativity, Optimism, Planning, and Expert Information (COPE) care model on resilience in family caregivers of patients with heart failure.

A clinical trial was conducted in 90 family caregivers of patients with heart failure in Isfahan Dr. Chamran Heart Hospital, 2021-22. The participants were randomly assigned into intervention group (n=45) and control group (n=45). The intervention group was then randomly divided into nine subgroups (n=5 per group). The intervention group received trainings based on COPE model in 6 sessions while the control group received only routine care. Demographic information checklist and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were completed before, immediately and three months after the intervention. Then, data analysis was performed. 

Gender was found to be significantly different between the intervention group and the control group (P< 0.05), but this confounder showed no significant effect on resilience (P> 0.05). In the intervention group, the mean scores for resilience after the intervention and three months later were 80.71±9.56 and 85.96±6.96, respectively, compared to 64.80±16.09 before the intervention (P< 0.05). In the control group, the mean resilience scores were 70.04±15.29 and 66.29±13.71 after the intervention and three months later, respectively, compared to 71.69±16.95 before the intervention (P<0.05).

According to the positive effects of COPE model on resilience in caregivers, hospital managers and nursing professionals are suggested to consider this model in increasing awareness and knowledge of caregivers about self-care and patient care.