Impact of Continuous Care Model on the Quality of Life of Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Major thalassemia has a significant impact on the personal performance and life of the affected person and leads to reduced quality of life (QoL) of the patient. One of the ways to improve quality of life is to use the Continuous Care Model (CCM). Aim: This study aimed to determine the impact of CCM on the QoL of patients with thalassemia major. Method: A clinical trial was performed with 60 thalassemia patients referring to Aliasghar Hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Eligible candidates were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups (n=30 each). Data collection tools included a demographic form, the quality of life questionnaire the brief version of the World Health Organization's QoL, and a self-control checklist. The intervention was performed in six training sessions three times a week in the presence of the patient and a family member; however, the control group received no intervention. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 21). Results: The mean scores of QoL and its dimensions showed no significant difference between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P>0.05); nevertheless, a significant difference was observed one and three months after the implementation of the model regarding (P<0.05). Implications for Practice: The finding indicated that the CCM improved the QoL of patients with major thalassemia. The model can be suggested as an intervention in nursing care to increase patients’ QoL.