ABSTRACT

Abstract

Liver transplantation represents the only curative treatment option for end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study: Was to evaluate home health care model to improve quality of life among post liver transplant recipients. Research design: A quasi experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at Liver Transplantation Unit of National Liver Institute, Menoufeya University followed by home visits to conduct the study. The sample: Purposive sample was used in this study; the total sample included 70 patients. Tools: Three tools were used I): A structured interviewing questionnaire which consists of four parts to assess a): Socio-demographic characteristics b): Medical history c): Patients' knowledge regarding liver transplantation and home health care model, and d): Reported practices of patients post liver transplantation, II): Observational checklist which consists of two parts to observe a): Home health care practices post liver transplantation b): Home environment of patients post liver transplantation, and III): Scale to measure quality of life of patients post liver transplantation. Results: 61.4% of the studied patients had good knowledge post implementation of home health care model, 88.6% of the studied patients had satisfactory practices post implementation of home health care model, and 70.0% of the studied patients had good quality of life post implementation of home health care model. There were positive statistically significant correlations between the studied patients' total quality of life score and total practices score and total knowledge score pre and post implementation of home health care model. Conclusion: The home health care model succeeded to improve knowledge, practices and quality of life of the studied patients post LT. Recommendations: Continuous home health care model for patients post liver transplantation to enhance patients` knowledge, practices and quality of life.