Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent chronic condition that requires ongoing self-management. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile videocast-based self-management education on self-care behaviors, quality of life, and hospital readmission in patients with HF. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2019 to January 2021, involving 38 patients with HF who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. Participants were allocated to control (n=19) and intervention (n=19) groups using block randomization. Demographic data form, the nine-item European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior scale, the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and a form to record readmission were used for data collection. Both groups received routine care; additionally, the intervention group received four weekly videocasts. Self-care behaviors and quality of life were measured in the baseline and two months after completion of the intervention. The readmission occurrence was checked two months after completing the intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Paired t-test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS version 25. In all tests, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Data from 35 participants (18 control, 17 intervention) were analyzed. Post-intervention, a statically significant difference was observed in self-care behavior scores (Intervention: 17.70±4.51 vs. Control: 27.66±8.19; P=0.001) and quality of life scores (Intervention: 20.76±14.63 vs. Control: 42.00±24.32; P=0.004). During the two-month follow-up, 27.78% of the control group patients were hospitalized compared to none in the intervention group (RR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.53-3.47). CONCLUSION: Self-management education in patients with HF via videocasts can improve self-care, quality of life, and lower readmission rates in these patients. Accordingly, the use of videocast-based self-management education is recommended as a supportive strategy to improve self-care and quality of life and potentially reduce readmission rates.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20190717044249N1.