An Application of King’s Theory of Goal Attainment for Family Caregivers to Prevent Complications among New Case of Stroke

Abstract

Introduction: That stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. .Past data reveal that most stroke patients have to return to receive hospital treatment again after staying at home for a while and that most such returns are caused by complications. Research objectives: This quasi-experimental study was conducted and aimed to explore the effects of a care program based on applying the King’s Theory of Goal Attainment for caregivers who took care of new stroke patients. This program had the goal attainment to prevent complications among new cases of stroke at home. Research methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted and aimed to explore the effects of a care program based on applying the King’s Theory of Goal Attainment for caregivers who took care of new stroke patients. This program had the goal attainment to prevent complications among new cases of stroke at home. Data were collected from a sample composing of 50 caregivers of new stroke patients who had been discharged from hospital. The sample was divided into two groups: an experimental group (25 caregiver) and a comparison group (25 caregiver). The experimental group received a care program for new stroke patients based on applying of King’s Theory of Goal Attainment for over a period of seven weeks. Data were collected using a questionnaire and observation to assess preventive behavior against stroke complications before participation in the program (pre-test), after participation (posttest) and during the follow-up. The data were analyzed with the following statistics: percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, chi square testing, Fisher’s test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests and the Mann Whitney Test. Results: The findings showed that the mean preventive behavior scores against stroke complications before participation in the program (pre-test), after the program (posttest) and during the follow-up in the group participating in the program were different with a statistical significance (p < .05). When comparisons were made between the experimental group and the comparison group with measurements taken at different times, there were statistically significant differences (p < .05). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that the program applying King’s Theory of Goal Attainment can enhance the correct behaviors of caregivers of stroke patients with continuity and the ability to prevent stroke complications. Implications: The home nursing care program applying King’s Theory of Goal Attainment with caregivers’ participation should be used to promote behaviors in caring for patients with stroke to help caregivers have appropriate and consistent behaviors for the care of patients with stroke in addition to preventing complications.