Effects of a self-care program on the health-related quality of life of pacemaker patients: a nursing intervention...

An experimental, multi-centre, randomized study with a nurse-led intervention was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects on HRQoL of a 10-month self-care program for pacemaker patients. In the present study, there were no significant differences in HRQoL when comparisons were made between the experimental group and the control group. Results show two main findings for patients in the self-care program (n = 97; mean age 71 years): a significantly better HRQoL in terms of experiencing the symptoms that were the reason for pacemaker implantation, as having decreased or disappeared, and a higher level of perceived exertion in a 1 1/2-minute stair test compared with patients who had standard checkups (n = 115; mean age 73 years). It is important to actively include pacemaker patients in a self-care program while still in the acute phase in the hospital. Health care professionals should support the patient in a kind and professional manner by providing clear, relevant information, and planning a self-care program based on the nurse's assessment of the patient's needs. To enable patients to manage their life situations, training and continued education for health care professionals is necessary so that their efforts are based on a holistic approach to nursing care and recognition of the patient perspective, with emphasis on developing education and counselling for women, patients with atrial fibrillation/sick sinus disease, and patients whose pacemakers have ventricular pacing.