Effectiveness of Continuing Care Program for Dependent Mid-Stage Stroke Patients on Self-Care Behavior and Ability in Community of Kantang District, Trang Province.

Abstract

     This study used a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pre-post test design to study the effectiveness of a continuous care program for community-dependent middle-stage stroke patients on their ability to perform daily activities and satisfaction. The sample consisted of 30 dependent middle-stage stroke patients with a Barthel Index score of less than or equal to 15, with multiple impairments, and a 6-month period from the day they were discharged from the crisis and had stable symptoms. They were treated at Kantang Hospital and discharged to home care between June 2024 and August 2024. The sample was purposively selected and met the specified criteria. The research instruments included a continuous care program for community-dependent middle-stage stroke patients, a home health care manual, a general information questionnaire, a home health care behavior questionnaire, a daily routine assessment form, and a satisfaction assessment form. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis for quantitative data using percentages, means, standard deviations, and paired t-tests. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis for quantitative data using percentages, means, standard deviations, and paired t-tests. Content analysis was used for qualitative data.
     The research results found that the continuous care program for dependent middle-stage stroke patients in the community consisted of home visits for dependent middle-stage stroke patients and family health leaders by primary and holistic care nurses working with volunteers to care for dependent middle-stage stroke patients. When the program was tested and daily activities (ADL) were evaluated before and after, it was found that the ADL scores increased significantly (p<.05). The mean home health care behavior score was 2.56 (SD=0.52), which was at a good level. The satisfaction scores of service recipients after receiving care according to the program were at a very satisfied level (M=3.56, SD=0.76).