The effect of nurse counseling on quality of life, functional capacity and knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Nurse counseling is an effective way to protect, maintain and improve health. As in the management of all chronic diseases, in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome; It is a practice that should be included in the disease compliance and management process. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the counseling given by the nurse on the quality of life, functional capacity and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the syndromes in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. The randomized controlled experimental study in the pre-test-post-test design was completed with 66 patients, including the intervention group (n=33) and the control group (n=33), who received counseling. Individuals whose verbal and written consent were taken as the common stages of the pre-tests in the Intervention and Control groups, respectively; Patients were asked to answer the questions in the Diagnosis Form, Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index, and Multiple Quality of Life Scale. Before the 6-minute corridor walking test, preliminary measurements were made and the test was applied. While the control group was followed up routinely, the training booklet prepared for the intervention group was verbally explained. Additional information was given in line with their needs, the six-month consultancy process was explained, and booklets were delivered. After six months, the final tests were done. According to all the findings obtained, the mean quality of life score increased significantly in the counseling group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Acute Coronary Syndrome Index knowledge, attitude, and belief score averages in the counseling group increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.05). According to the 6-minute walking test results in the functional capacity evaluation; significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05). As a result, it was seen that the counseling given by the nurse to patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome had a significant positive effect on the quality of life, functional capacity, knowledge, attitude, and belief about the syndromes.