Evaluation of the effect of phase 1 and phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation education on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome

Title of Thesis: Evaluation of the Effect of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Education on the Quality of Life of Patients Diagnosed With Acute Coronary Syndrome Student Name, Surname: Ahmet BİNİCİ Supervisor Title, Name, Surname: Asst. Prof. Kadriye Nilay GENÇ Program: Master of Science in Internal Medicine Nursing (Thesis) This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation training, developed by the researcher based on the literature and reviewed by experts, on the quality of life in patients diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). A prospective quasi-experimental design was used as the research method. The study was carried out between December 17, 2024, and April 17, 2025, in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Istanbul. A total of 45 patients diagnosed with ACS, determined through power analysis, were included in the study. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Information Form and the Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale (MQOLS). Patients received Phase 1 and Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation education prior to discharge, and quality of life was measured before discharge and two weeks after discharge. The findings revealed that the Cardiac Rehabilitation education significantly improved the overall quality of life of patients. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all sub-dimensions, particularly in mental health, physical health, social and cognitive functions (p<0.001). These results indicate that cardiac rehabilitation education is an effective intervention in enhancing functional and psychosocial well-being. In this context, it is recommended that nurses take an active educational role and provide structured training to patients before discharge. Furthermore, expanding cardiac rehabilitation programs across various healthcare institutions, integrating digital solutions, and promoting individualized approaches to improve patient compliance are strongly advised. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, cardiac rehabilitation, comfort, coronary artery disease, education, quality of life