Effectiveness Of A Structured Teaching Programme In Improving The Knowledge And Skills Of The Care Givers And Preventing Secondary Complications In Hospitalized Stroke Patients (P5.147)

Objective. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme in improving the knowledge and skills of the care givers and in preventing secondary complications in hospitalized stroke patients. Background. Stroke is an emerging epidemic worldwide, especially in countries with limited resources. Two third of stroke survivors live with disability and complications preclude a poor outcome. Caregivers have an important role to play in patient care and educational intervention studies focussing on caregivers of stroke survivors are limited in resource poor settings. Methods: 56 caregivers of stroke patients admitted in neurology wards were allocated into an intervention group (n=27) and a control group (n=29). The intervention group received an individualized structured teaching program on “prevention of secondary complications after stroke” which consisted of three sessions each of 30 minutes duration. Subjects in control group received routine care and education. Knowledge and skills of the caregivers were assessed before intervention, on day-4 in both the groups and on day-10 in the intervention group using structured questionnaire and observation checklist. The patients were assessed for the development of new complications within ten days of intervention. Results: Both groups were comparable in demographics and baseline knowledge and skill scores. The mean post-test knowledge and skill scores on day-4 were significantly higher in the intervention compared to control group; 64.6+5.1 vs 36.3+12.1 for knowledge and 49.8+3.3 versus 26.5+4.6 for skill score; p<0.001. There was a lower incidence of pneumonia (p=0.027), constipation (p=0.012), bedsores (p=0.006) and urinary tract infections (p=0.0358) in patients of caregivers who received a structured teaching program.. Fewer complications developed in patients with caregivers having higher knowledge and skill scores; p <0.05. Conclusion: The structured teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge and skill of the caregivers and decreasing the complications in the hospitalized stroke patients. Disclosure: Dr. Bhatia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thomas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Agarwal has nothing to disclose.