
Self-Management of Ascites in Patients with Cirrhosis
Background: Cirrhosis, a chronic disease, significantly impacts quality of life. Recent studies have shown that self-management techniques can be successful in improving quality of life despite the effects of chronic disease. This quality improvement project implemented a self-management action plan for patients with cirrhosis.
Local Problem: At Geisinger Health System, the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology identified a population of cirrhotic patients with ascites who required frequent medical intervention and management. An action plan to improve self-management of ascites was implemented to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention.
Methods: The ascites control tracker (A.C.T.) action plan was introduced during a staff in-service. An anonymous survey to assess acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility was distributed to clinicians. The A.C.T. action plan was implemented. The same survey was distributed to clinicians post-implementation.
Intervention: The A.C.T. action plan was implemented as a self-management tool in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. This was used to guide the self-management of daily weight trends.
Results: After implementation of the A.C.T. action plan there was a statistically significant increase in acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of using self-management techniques in patients with cirrhosis.
Conclusion: Utilizing the A.C.T. action plan was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible to promote self-management in patients with cirrhosis. Keywords: cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, ascites, volume overload, fluid overload, quality of life, self-management, daily weights, chronic disease.
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Work Title | Self-Management of Ascites in Patients with Cirrhosis |
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License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
Work Type | Project |
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Publication Date | 2024 |
Deposited | February 15, 2024 |
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