Effect of E-learning programme on health behaviours and cardiac physiological risk parameters: evidence from Palestine

Coronary heart disease has been increasing rabidly in the past two decades and has become the leading cause of death in Palestine. Epidemiological studies indicate a relation between cardiac behavioural and physiological risk. Cardiac risk factor modification and behavioural changes has become essential and primary goal in cardiac rehabilitation program. The lack of administrative attention, rehabilitation facilities, and difficulties to access health care centers present a challenge to the implementation of this E-Learning program for CHD patients. This study aim was to assess the effect of an E-learning program on health behaviours and cardiac physiological risk in patients with coronary heart disease in Jenin, Palestine. A quasi-experimental design was applied to 65 intervention patients and 61 control patients with recently diagnosed CHD in Palestine, at Jenin Hospital. An E-learning program was designed by the researcher and implemented for patients in the intervention group. The effect of utilization of the E-learning program was evaluated through a post-test assessment. Results: The study results revealed the two groups were similar in most personal and diseases characteristics. At the post-intervention phase, intervention group patients had better mean systolic blood pressure. At the follow-up phase, they had better control of hypertension . The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an E-learning program for patients with CHD in improving their health behavior. It is recommended to apply this program in cardiac units and clinics, with orientation programs for nurses on how to develop and apply E-learning materials in patient's education

Cardiac management: an e-learning program and its effect on qol domains for patients with chd

Coronary heart disease has been increasing rabidly in the past two decades and has become the leading cause of death in Palestine. The clinical manifestation of CHD can induce heavy physiopsychosocial impact and great burden on affected individuals. Strategies are directed toward enhancement quality of life for CHD patients; recovery process; and secondary preventive measures to prevent the subsequent high mortality and morbidity rate; promote health status of CHD patients in Palestine. The lack of administrative attention, rehabilitation facilities, and difficulties to access health care centers present a challenge to the implementation of this E-Learning program for CHD patients. This study aim was to assess the effect of an E-learning program on the quality of life [QoL] of patients with coronary heart disease. A quasi-experimental design was applied to 65 intervention patients and 61 control patients with recently diagnosed CHD in Palestine, at Jenin Hospital. An E-learning program was designed by the researcher and implemented for patients in the intervention group. The effect of utilization of the E-learning program was evaluated through a post-test assessment. The study results revealed the two groups were similar in most personal and diseases characteristics. At the post-intervention phase, intervention group patients had better QoL related to physical function and bodily pain. At the follow-up phase, Their QoL was higher in almost all domains compared to control group. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an E-learning program for patients with CHD, which was reflected positively on their QoL. It is recommended to apply this program in cardiac units and clinics, with orientation programs for nurses on how to develop and apply E-learning materials in patient's education

Self-regulatory process among non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients

Diabetes mellitus has been recognized as a disease for centuries. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] is becoming one of the main health problems in developing countries. Diabetes is a prime example of a chronic disease that requires patients to play an active role in daily self-management. This study aims to [1] describe the specific self-regulatory measures that individuals with non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus perform to promote diabetic control, [2] identify the factors affecting the self care measures among Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus patients. One hundred patients with NIDDM were randomly selected from diabetic clinics of both Ain Shams University Hospital and El-Sahel Educational Hospital. Tools of data collection, were [1] a patient self care rating scales sheet concerned with socio-demographic data, self care activities, a self dietary care, exercises, patient compliance with medication and foot care, etc. [2] a withdrawal venous blood sample for measuring the level of hemoglobin and HbAlc. Approximately one third of the patients [30%] able to describe 5 foods to be avoided, [33%] aware of symptoms of hypoglycemic attack and [50%] able to inspect foot daily, correctly. The majority of the patients have a knowledge deficit regarding self-care activities. There is a positive significant correlation between levels of HbAlc, and BMI, also between HbAlc, and socioeconomic level. Develop a patient educational program using different teaching strategies aims to promote and maintaining an independent self care level for a diabetic patient with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Infection control standards in burn unit

Infection remains the leading cause of morbidity in burn patients. Accordingly, it was important to investigate the performance of health team members of burn Units and develop control standards guide, based on their needs. This study aimed at developing infection control standards for a burn unit and to test its applicability and effectiveness. The study was conducted in the burn unit at Ain Shams university hospitals during the period from December to February 2003. An intervention study design with pre-post assessment was used. It included all the available healthcare members working in the designated burn unit, 9 physicians, 19 nurses, and 10 housekeepers, in addition to a convenience sample of 37 burn patients admitted to the Unit, 19 before the program, and 18 after the program. Data were collected using a questionnaire sheet to assess staff knowledge of basic information related to burns and infection control, and an interview sheet to assess the level of knowledge of housekeepers. A nosocomial infection assessment sheet for the burn unit was used to determine the infection rate, and an observation checklist for performance of physicians and nurses, and another one for housekeepers. An infection control standard was developed and validated, and then implemented. Pre-assessment was done, and a post-test was applied to the three categories of healthcare providers. Additionally, the infection rate among the second subgroup of 18 patients was estimated. Nurses' and physicians' knowledge and performance have statistically significantly improved in almost all tested areas. As for housekeepers, pre-standard scores were generally high, and have statistically significantly improved in all tested areas at post-test. This was also noticed as regards their performance. Lastly, statistically significant decreases in the number of cases of nosocomial infection were detected among patients after application of the infection control standard. The most common organism detected among these patients was the pseudomonas. It was concluded that the implementation of infection control standards iii a burn unit has increased the scores of knowledge and performance among all categories of healthcare providers, with a significant decrease in the incidence of infection of burn areas among patients. It is recommended that written standards of infection control should be available in all burn units. Periodic estimation of infection rates and types is also recommended to monitor the effectiveness of these standards