Evaluating the effects of designed exercise program on mean of activity tolerance in hemodialysis patients

Background and aims: Hemodialysis patients have reduced physical capacity for various reasons resulting in increased dependence on others. This study was conducted to detect the effectiveness of a designed exercise program on mean of activity tolerance in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In an experimental study, 25 hemodialysis patients from three hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected in 2010. The patients in the experimental group (n=12) followed a designed exercise program, 3 days per week, which lasted for 8 weeks. The subjects in the experimental group had to exercise for 20 minutes immediately after the dialy session followed by a 10-minute bed rest and deep slow breathing with their closed eyes. The control group (n=13) did not receive any exercise program. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaire and a checklist were used three times: before the exercise program and four and eight weeks after the exercise program. Results: Eight weeks after the exercise program, the control group experienced moderate fatigue while the experimental group experienced mild fatigue the difference was significant (P=0.003) and the average tolerance time in the first month increased from 17.77 to 18.15 minutes, although this difference was not significant (P=0.4). Conclusion: Walking exercise is almost free and safe for decreasing fatigue and increasing the average time of activity tolerated in hemodialysis patients. In order to improve the patients' care and quality of life, nurses should identify the strategies of decreasing fatigue

Effects of a Designed Discharge Plan on Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement

Background & Objective: Anxiety is the most common issue in the candidates of surgical heart valve replacement. The length of hospital stay in these patients is economically and organizationally important as a predictor of their recovery from acute physical conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a designed discharge plan on anxiety and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 65 candidates of heart valve replacement in Chamran Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, who were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the designed discharge plan was implemented and continued one month after discharge via phone follow-up. Length of hospital stay and anxiety were analyzed before the intervention and one and three months after discharge in both groups in SPSS. Results: ANOVA indicated that the mean anxiety in the study groups was significantly different at different times (P0.05). Conclusion: The designed discharge plan reduced anxiety in the patients, while its effect on the length of hospital stay requires further investigation. Therefore, it is recommended that the discharge program be used as an effective approach to maintaining care in patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Keywords: Discharge Plan, Anxiety, Hospitalization, Heart Valve Replacemen

Effects of a Designed Discharge Plan on Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement

Background & Objective: Anxiety is the most common issue in the candidates of surgical heart valve replacement. The length of hospital stay in these patients is economically and organizationally important as a predictor of their recovery from acute physical conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a designed discharge plan on anxiety and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 65 candidates of heart valve replacement in Chamran Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, who were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the designed discharge plan was implemented and continued one month after discharge via phone follow-up. Length of hospital stay and anxiety were analyzed before the intervention and one and three months after discharge in both groups in SPSS. Results: ANOVA indicated that the mean anxiety in the study groups was significantly different at different times (P0.05). Conclusion: The designed discharge plan reduced anxiety in the patients, while its effect on the length of hospital stay requires further investigation. Therefore, it is recommended that the discharge program be used as an effective approach to maintaining care in patients undergoing heart valve replacement