Corneal Ulcers: Effect of Nursing Recommendations on patients' Quality of Life

Background: Nursing recommendations play a vital role in improving quality of life, preventing of complication, reduce morbidity and visual loss due to corneal ulceration. Aim: To evaluate the effect of nursing recommendation on quality of life of corneal ulcer patients at Assiut university hospital. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Sample: A purposeful sample of (60) patients of both sexes with corneal ulcers with an age range from 18 to 60 years old, divided into two equal groups (30 for each group). Setting: The study was conducted at the ophthalmic department and ophthalmic outpatient clinic at Assiut university hospital. Tools: Tool (I) Patient Interview Questionnaire Sheet. Tool (II) Visual Function Index questionnaire. Tool (III) The World Health Organization Quality of Life- BREF questionnaire. Results: There was a very high statistical difference between study and control groups (1 and 3 months) post implementation of nursing recommendations regarding patients’ quality of life with p-value 0.000. There is a very high relation between patients’ knowledge scale and quality of life scale. By improving the patients’ knowledge, the patient’s quality of life improved. Conclusion: Nursing recommendations booklet was effective in improving quality of life, preventing of complication, reduce morbidity and visual loss due to corneal ulceration. Recommendation: Nursing recommendations booklet are recommended to be an integral part of corneal ulcer`s patients management and a booklet should be available at the ophthalmic department and ophthalmic outpatient clinic as a reference.