engleski

Can nurse-provided education affect improvement of lung function and nutritional status in adult patients with cystic fibrosis?

Objectives: Adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have increased lung manifestations. Failure in following prescribed treatment can lead to significant decrease of lung functions while low body mass index (BMI) can lead to worsening of the disease. The aim of this study was to show that nurse-conducted structured training can raise patients’ adherence and awareness of the importance of daily and lifelong treatment. Methods: This study was conducted at the Clinic for Pulmonary diseases Jordanovac, Clinical hospital centre Zagreb on a sample of 26 patients with cystic fibrosis aged between 18 and 36 years, (12/26 male and 14/26 female). Nurses educated each patient on the importance of respiratory clearance, medication, inhaler maintenance, demonstration of inhaler therapy use, the role of nutritional support and maintaining optimal body weight. Lung functions ; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and BMI were measured prior to education and again 4 months later. Results: After nurse-conducted education, FEV1 value increased by 5, 27% while BMI increased 2, 31%. Difference in values was not statistically significant but correlation shown statistically significant medium positive connection between those variables. Conclusion: Although the difference in FEV1 and BMI values are not statistically significant, results indicate some improvement. This study suggests a significant role for the nurse in patient care as one of the main members of the multidisciplinary team. Further research involving higher number of patients over more time is required.

nurse education ; nutrition ; cystic fibrosis

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