Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Support groups and quality of life in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: explorative study pre-post with single group |
|---|---|
| Name | Lenoci Graziana |
| Supervisor(s) | Ferri Paola |
| Academic Year | 2014/15 |
| Thesis type | Research thesis |
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease which leads to severe disability and death. The average life expectancy is 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. The disease affects about 30 people per 100,000 in the general population, and about 175 per 100,000 people in the population aged over 75 years. The therapeutic choices currently available are poor and none of these leads to healing.
Aim: the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of support groups on the quality of life of people with IPF and their families.
Design: explorative study pre-post with single group
Materials and methods: ten women and eight men took part in the study. The average age was 66.5 years. The instrument used was the PGWBI (Psychological General Well-Being Index), which was administered to the group at registration and after six months of attendance.
Results: The study shows that participation in a support group, for only six months, has led to an improvement of the score recorded for each dimension considered and in all 22 items.
Discussion / Conclusions: it was investigated the efficacy of the support group, led by experienced nurse, for IPF patients and their caregivers, held at the University Hospital of Modena. The study confirmed the efficacy of support groups and their positive impact on the lives of people with IPF and their caregivers. Further studies with longer follow-up periods, a larger number of participants and the use of a control group, should be planned to obtain further data and ensure that the support groups become first choice treatments as pharmacological ones.