Effect of care protocol on the knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Care protocol for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is considered as a strategy for promoting their knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of care protocol on knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes of patients with COPD through the following: A. Assessment of knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). B. Developing and implementing care protocol for patients with COPD. C. Evaluating the effect of care protocol on knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes of patients with COPD. Methods: Study design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at chest department and outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects: A purposive sample of 50 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was included in the study. Data collection tools: (1) Patients’ assessment sheet. (2) Patients’ observational checklists. (3) Clinical outcomes assessment sheet. Results: There were statistically significant differences between mean scores of the pre and post test regarding patients’ knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes except for respiratory muscle training. Conclusions: Application of care protocol for patients with COPD has positive effect on improving knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes regarding dyspnea, fatigue, sleep quality, mood. Recommendations: Applying care protocol for all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the chest units and up-dating its content periodically in order to improve knowledge, practice and clinical outcomes for those patients.