Effect of Telenursing and Face-to-Face Training Techniques on Quality of Life in Burn Patients: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of telenursing and face-to-face training on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with a burn injury. DesignThis clinical trial with pretest–posttest design on 3 groups was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Convenience sampling was used. SettingA tertiary hospital in Kermanshah, west of Iran. ParticipantsA total of 90 patients with burns of grade 2 and 3 after discharge from the hospital were randomly assigned to 3 groups including telenursing (30), face-to-face training (30), and control (30). InterventionsEach intervention group received 1-on-1 telephone training and face-to-face training in 8 sessions (2 sessions of 15 to 20min/wk). The control group received regular care. Main Outcome MeasuresQOL was evaluated by the Burn Specific Health Scale–Brief (BSHS-B). ResultsThe mean BSHS-B scores before and after intervention for telenursing, face-to-face, and the control group were 71.43±21.92 and 133.06±11.97; 64.83±26.16 and 124.83±23.05; and 58.63±20.89 and 73.13±33.04, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among the 3 groups with respect to the training methods after intervention (P<.001). In addition, post hoc test did not show a significant difference between the telenursing and face-to-face groups (P=.244). ConclusionsEducational methods in the form of telenursing and face-to-face training were effective and promoted QOL in survivors of burn injuries. Both telenursing and face-to-face training can be used to improve the QOL of survivors of burn injuries during the rehabilitation phase.