Self-Care Enhancement Program for Orthopedic Patients with External Fixation and its Effect on their Clinical Outcome

Background: Individuals who are externally fixated exhibit deficiencies in their ability to independently perform daily living activities. Aim: The goal of the study was to assess the impact of self-care enhancement program for orthopedic patients with external fixation on their clinical outcome. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was chosen as the methodological approach. Setting: The research was carried out in the orthopedic departments and orthopedic outpatient clinics located at Main Mansoura University Hospital and Emergency Hospital. Sampling: A purposive selection of 66 patients who had an external fixator. Tools: This study used four tools: the patients&#039; interview questionnaire, the patient&#039;s observational checklist, the Checketts-Otterburns grading system, and patients’ satisfaction scale. Results: Prior to the initiation of the program, it was found that 81.8% and 87.9% of the control and study groups respectively exhibited unsatisfactory levels for the first knowledge domain. At the same time, 93.9% of the control group and 100% of the study group displayed unsatisfactory levels in the second knowledge domain (P > 0.05). After the program, 60.6% of the control group and all the participants in the study group had satisfactory levels in the first knowledge domain. While, none of the control group compared to all of the study group showed satisfactory knowledge level in the second knowledge domain (P<0.001). Conclusion: The self-care enhancement program demonstrates a favorable influence on patients&#039; self-care behaviors and diminishes the occurrence of pin-site infection. Recommendation: Patients with external fixation should undergo regular self-care enhancement programs.