This thesis investigated planned nursing intervention based on a detailed assessment to determine whether this would result in stroke patients and their families having a better understanding of pathology, a shorter hospitalization, and the ability to cope with minor problems and activities of daily living when discharged. An experimental group supervised by the author was compared with a control group. In addition, the patient's initial and discharge level of independent function was compared with the control group.The investigation revealed that there was a positive relationship between planned nursing intervention and the increase in knowledge of pathology, ability to cope with minor problems and the activities of daily living. The hypothesis that a shorter hospitalization would result for the experimental group was not proven. All patients increased their level of independent function. The experimental group had a higher level of independent function at discharge than the control group.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

published_or_final_version / Nursing Studies / Master / Master of Nursing

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

Background Coronary heart disease deprives millions of lives in the world annually and this number has increased steadily in recent years. In Hong Kong, coronary heart disease claimed 4360 lives in 2009 and it is one of the major burdens of the healthcare system. In order to reduce cardiac mortality and morbidity and to enhance patients’ quality of life, cardiac rehabilitation program is developed. Exercise training is a pivotal part of the cardiac rehabilitation program. Objective The main objective of this translational nursing research is to translate quality research evidences regarding the effects of exercise training in improving quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease to the local setting. This is achieved by developing an evidence-based protocol. Methods A systematic search of literature was conducted in 5 electronic databases. 8 relevant randomized controlled trials were eventually obtained. Then, the 8 identified studies were summarized to form a table of evidence and the critical appraisal was performed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. After performing the quality assessment, evidences were assembled for synthesis and recommendations are made for developing the evidence-based protocol. Since the implementation potential of the proposed exercise training program is considered to be high, an evidence-based protocol is developed for the local context. In order to implement the evidence-based protocol smoothly, implementation plan is developed in which a communication plan and a pilot test are included. Lastly, evaluation plan is established to assess the effectiveness of the program in fulfilling its objectives. Results In total, 7 recommendations are made based on the 8 appraised studies. According to the SIGN’s “Grades of recommendation”, all the recommendations in the protocol are graded with “A”. The significance of this evidence-based protocol is that it adds a symptom-limited exercise test for evaluating participant’s level of exercise tolerance before the start of exercise training, so that exercise intensity can be tailored. It is relatively safer than the current practice. Conclusion A 6-week exercise training program for patients with coronary heart disease is effective in improving their quality of life and increasing their level of physical activity. Since the program has a high implementation potential in the local context and is safer than the current practice, the evidence-based exercise training protocol is worthwhile to be introduced to the cardiac units in Hong Kong. / published_or_final_version / Nursing Studies / Master / Master of Nursing

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published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences