The effect of internet-based telehealth nursing on the quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine if patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke can benefit from receiving care at home under the supervision of remote specialist nurses through internet-based telehealth nursing.

Methods: We selected a total of 168 patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke, who were treated in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. The patients were divided into a traditional at-home self-help nursing group (the control group) and an internet-based telehealth nursing group involving specialist nurses based on the post-discharge convalescence nursing modes (the experimental group). The patients were followed up and observed for 12 months, and the survival rate, readmission rate, daily life activities, limb motor ability, psychological state, cardiac function and rhythm control, adverse event rate, and the nursing satisfaction of the patients and their families were evaluated for the two different nursing modes.

Results: Compared with traditional at- home nursing, internet-based telehealth nursing provided by specialist nurses resulted in a significant improvement in the survival rate of patients. Additionally, the readmission due to atrial fibrillation or stroke was significantly reduced, the daily activities and limb motor ability were significantly improved, the patients’ anxiety and depression were reduced, and the cardiac function index and rhythm control showed obvious improvement. In addition, the rates of bedsores and minor hemorrhage events were lower, and the nursing satisfaction levels of the patients and their families were significantly higher.

Conclusion: Patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke benefit greatly from internet-based telehealth nursing provided by specialized nurses, both in terms of prognosis and quality of life. As a result, this approach to nursing care deserves wider adoption and dissemination.