The Effect of Education on Dyspnea,Fatigue and Life Quality Concerning Heart Failure Patients

This randomized-controlled experimental trial was conducted on a total of 49 patients (24 test, 25 control groups) who have heart failure to determine the effect of education provided by nurses on dyspnea, fatigue and life quality. Data were collected by using Patient Information Form, Basal Dyspnea Index, Visual Similarity Scale for Fatigue and EORTC QLQ C-30 Life Quality Scale. Following first assessment, patients in experimental group were educated, respiration exercises were performed, and fatigue management was taught.No intervention was done to control group during study period. After 3 months, dyspnea, fatigue and life quality of patients re-assessed via home visits. Significant improvements were identified on experimental groups for perception of health status (p 0.01), dyspnea (functional deterioration (p 0.001), amount of work (p 0.001), amount of effort (p 0.001)), fatigue level (p 0.001), energy level (p 0.001), life quality and all sub dimensions (symptom (p 0.001), function (p 0.001) and general goodness (p 0.001). In contrast, except the dyspnea subdimension of life quality scale, considerable decrease was observed in all subgroups of the scale.. In this study it is concluded that education provided by nurses improves dyspnea, fatigue and life quality of patients with heart failure. According to these findings education is recommended on care and management of heart failure patients