Context: Strokes are life-changing events not merely affect a person physically but also emotionally as it may result in physical
disabilities, which lead to functional disabilities as difficulties carrying out daily activities as working, walking, talking, eating, bathing,
with loss of energy in addition to depressive status as a result of functional disabilities. Daily nursing care strategies are essential to stroke
management. Since, it can overcome spasticity and hemiplegia through sustained stretching by various positioning, repetitive performance
of a specific movement, and teaching patient to use and adapt the affected limb during functional activities.
Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nursing care strategy on functional outcomes among patients after the first-time
stroke.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design used to conduct the current study in neurology department to be followed through neurology
outpatient clinic at Benha University Hospital. During the period from the beginning of February 2018 till the beginning of January
2019.Subjects: Purposive sample of 171 patients to be at the end of study period (Intervention group 72 & control group 69), recruited
according to the study formula based on the total number admitted to the study settings during 2017. Tools: Two tools utilized for data
collection, (1)Structured interviewing questionnaire for patients, (II)Functional outcomes scales, involving: Modified Ashworth scale,
Modified Barthel index, as well as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D Scale).
Results: Showed that there was highly statistically significant difference in term of increased knowledge score among the intervention
group compared to controls, as well as a significantly lower degree of spasticity, a higher level of independence in performing activity of
daily living (ADL), besides, lower depression score among intervention group compared to controls. It also showed a significant
correlation between the degree of spasticity with both of independence in performing ADL and degree of depression among intervention
group after nursing care strategy implementation.
Conclusion: The nursing care strategy was effective in improving patients’ knowledge as well as the functional outcomes among
intervention group revealing a significant correlation between the degree of spasticity with both independence in performing ADL and
degree of depression. The study suggested continuous education and training program planned and offered regularly to stroke patients in
the neurology and rehabilitation unit. Also recommended written, a simple booklet about stroke and its management should be provided
& be available for patients and their families (relatives).
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