The Effect of Implementation of Empowerment Program by Teach-Back Method on the Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a lower quality of life due to limitations, stress, and socio-supportive deficiencies that should be considered in nursing interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of an empowerment program on the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2020.  Methods: The present study was an experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and its statistical population was all patients in hemodialysis wards of Imam Reza and Imam Khomeini hospitals affiliated to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in the second half of 2020. Through a Purpose-based sampling method and based on inclusion criteria, 70 patients were selected and randomly divided into intervention and control groups using a table of random numbers. For the intervention group, 4 sessions of empowerment training were held using the teach-back method with a one-month follow-up by telephone. Samples completed a quality of life questionnaire for kidney patients before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 statistical software using statistical tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. The mean scores of patients' quality of life before the intervention in the intervention group was 36.18 ± 3.78 and in the control group was 36.76 ± 3.95 which was not statistically significant (P = 0.54) which after the intervention in the intervention group It reached 43.93 ± 3.60 and in the control group it was 36.98 ± 12.4 and this difference was significant and in the intervention group, the quality of life improved (P <0.001). Conclusion: Implementing an empowerment program through feedback-based education and telephone follow-up to clear up ambiguities and consolidate learning can be useful and effective in improving the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis, so it is recommended that nurses in their training while empowering patients, be sure to get feedback on the accuracy of the lessons learned. Keywords: Empowerment, quality of life, patient, hemodialysis