Factors Affecting Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Bleeding Esophageal Varices

Abstract

Background: Bleeding esophageal varices is a serious complication of portal hypertension. Bleeding esophageal varices is associated with higher mortality and higher hospital costs..Aim of the study: The present study aims to assess factors affecting clinical outcomes among patients with bleeding Esophageal varices.Research design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the critical care units at Mahalla hepatology teaching hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of (98) patients with bleeding esophageal varices, and a convenient sample of all available nurses (38) nurses in the previously mentioned setting.Data collection tools: Data were collected through the following tools, ToolⅠ: Patient interview questionnaire, Tool Ⅱ: Nurses’ assessment tool,Tool Ⅲ:environmental assessment tool, Tool Ⅳ: clinical outcomes assessment tool. Results: Near three quarter of the studied patients (73.5%) had an unsatisfactory knowledge regarding bleeding esophageal varices. More than three qaurters of studied nurses (76.3%) had a satisfactory level of total knowledge. Also, the majority of the studied nurses (78.9%) had satisfactory level of practice regarding care patients with esophageal varcies. Conclusion: The majority of the studied patients had lack knowoldge about bleeding esophageal varices. However, the majority of nurses demonstrated acceptable knowledge and practical abilities in managing patients with this illness. There was a strong direct association between the nurses' knowledge levels and their practical care skills. Several critical criteria were identified as significant predictors of patient outcomes, including nursing staff academic qualifications, patient and nurse levels of knowledge, practical application of nursing care, environmental factors, and patient-specific characteristics. Recommendations: On-going regular educational and training programs to study patients to improve their knowledge about bleeding esophageal varices: Education is critical, but it is a longer-term strategy compared to direct patient care.