The effects of family based care program on the health status of hemiplegic patients with stroke: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background Stroke is a chronic disease requiring continuous and prolonged rehabilitation. A family-based care program can be an effective approach to rehabilitate the patients. This study aimed at determining the effects of family-based care program on the health status of hemiplegic patients with stroke. Methods In this clinical trial, 40 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly selected through convenience sampling and allocated to experiment and control groups. The patients’ care providers in the experiment group received the home-based care program for four consecutive sessions (50-60min) in addition to the routine care at the time of discharge. The trainings were then performed by care givers at home for four weeks. The patients in the control group received routine cares during the discharge. The health status of patients in the both groups was evaluated using a health status questionnaire before and one months after implementing the program. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS V.21. Results The results indicated that the difference between the mean scores of the health status of the two groups was not significant before the experiment; however, it was significant after the experiment (P< 0.05). The mean scores after the experiment were significantly higher in the experiment group compared to those of the pre-intervention; this difference was not significant in the control group. Conclusion Providing home care education programs to family members and allowing them to contribute to patient care programs can increase self-care of the patients and improve their health status.