A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PATIENT-CENTERED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE IN A MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNIT IN THE SELECTED HOSPITAL OF UDAIPUR.

Author Name: Dr. Vipin Kumar Pillai

Volume/Issue: 03/11

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/08.2024-79316817/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Principal, Udaipur College of Nursing, Umarda, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) presents significant management challenges, necessitating effective patient education. This study aimed to assess the impact of a patient-centered educational program on CHF knowledge among patients in a medical-surgical unit at a hospital in Udaipur. The objectives were to measure initial knowledge levels, deliver a targeted educational program, evaluate changes in knowledge post-intervention, assess the program’s effectiveness, and identify any associations between pre-test knowledge and demographic variables. METHOD: A pre-experimental design with one group pre-test post-test approach was employed. The study involved 100 CHF patients in a medical-surgical unit. Data collection included pre-test and post-test assessments of knowledge, demographic surveys, and statistical analysis to evaluate knowledge changes and associations. The educational program covered CHF pathophysiology, management, and lifestyle changes. The effectiveness was measured by comparing pre-test and post-test scores, and associations were analyzed using chi-square tests. RESULTS: Demographic analysis showed a diverse sample with most participants being female (59%), aged 18-30 years (38%), and with limited prior CHF knowledge (95%). Knowledge levels improved significantly post-intervention. Pre-test scores averaged 10.15 (33.83%), while post-test scores averaged 20.03 (66.77%). The enhancement of 9.88 points (32.93% improvement) was statistically significant (t-value = 21.22, p < 0.01). Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between pre-test knowledge and variables such as age, gender, duration of CHF diagnosis, and prior knowledge. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: The patient-centered educational program significantly improved CHF knowledge among participants, with a notable shift from inadequate to adequate knowledge. The program’s effectiveness was consistent across various demographic groups, though associations with specific variables were observed. This study underscores the value of structured educational interventions in enhancing patient knowledge and self-management in CHF, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.

Key words: Chronic Heart Failure, Patient Education, Knowledge Improvement, Medical-Surgical Unit, Educational Program, Health Outcomes