The effects of extended care on the quality of life on elderly patients with chronic heart failure

Objective To investigate the effects of extended care on the treatment compliance and the quality of life on discharged elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Methods One hundred and eight patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group with 54 patients in each, the experimental group received extended care for 1 year, including regular telephone and visit follow-up, supporting medical care, diet care, rehabilitation exercises and supervision of self-care. The control group underwent routine health education before discharge. Medical compliance and self-management ability were compared three months, six months and 1 year after discharge, evaluation score of life quality were also compared at discharge and one year after discharge between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in medication, diet and regular follow-up visits between the two groups. However, the patients in the experimental group showed better compliance than the control group in the self-testing of urine, body weight,and recording of symptoms, body signs and required exercises. Additionally, the patients in the experimental group had higher scores than the control group in the daily life-skills, happiness and the quality of life. Conclusions The extended care significantly improved the treatment compliance and the quality of life in the elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Key words: Extended care; Chronic heart failure; Elderly; Treatment compliance; Quality of life