Effect of Telenursing on the Self-efficacy of Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Quasi-experimental Study

Background and Objective: Despite medical advances, patients with Myocardial Infarction do not fully recover and require rehabilitation and other treatment measures as well. One way to empower these patients is to promote self-efficacy. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of Tele-nursing on the self-efficacy of patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 patients with Myocardial Infarction. The participants selected using the simple random sampling method. The patients were divided into two intervention and control groups of 20 participants. Routine training was given to both groups before discharge. The demographic data questionnaire and Sullivan's cardiac self-efficacy questionnaire were then provided to each patient. In the intervention group, in addition to routine training, the telephone follow-up intervention was performed by the researcher within one month (once a week with an average call duration of 10 minutes). After one month, the self-efficacy questionnaire was provided to each of the study units again. Finally, after determining the normal distribution, the data were analyzed by chi-square, independent t-test, and ANCOVA tests, using SPSS v.25 software. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic variables and disease characteristics. The mean score of self-efficacy before and after the intervention in the control group was 22.90 +/- 3.93 and 33.35 +/- 8.36, respectively, and in the intervention group, was 25.60 +/- 6.90 and 47.45 +/- 5.60, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Telenursing can improve adherence to the treatment program and promote patients' self-efficacy. Therefore, due to its reliability, availability, and low cost, this method can be used in patient care and follow-up.