ABSTRACT
Several studies have shown that the self-care activity of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator is inadequate. This study was conducted to assess the effect of an educational program based on the Orem's self-care model in self-care ability of the patients. This clinical trial was conducted among 66 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Four educational sessions were held based on the patient's needs and Orem's self-care model. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire at baseline and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using statistical tests [x[2], t-test, paired t-test] in the SPSS-18. There were no significant differences in the self-care awareness, tendency to self-care, self-care skills, and self-care ability between the control and intervention groups. After the intervention, the self-care awareness score remained 22.06 +/- 3.26 in the control group and increased [28.69 +/- 1.51] in the intervention group [P<0.000]. There was also significant difference in the tendency to self-care between the control [25 +/- 3.31] and intervention [28.9 +/- 1.33] groups [P<0.000]. The self-care skills differed significantly between the control [14.9 +/- 3.06] and intervention [29.03 +/- 1.15] groups after the intervention [P<0.000]. After the intervention, the self-care ability was also significantly different among the control [61.96 +/- 8.06] and intervention [86.63 +/- 2.93] groups [P<0.000]. The results of this study showed that implementing educational programs based on the Orem's self-care model can improve self-care ability in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Applying this method is recommended in nursing interventions to promote health status of the patients