The Effect of a Dynamic Blended Learning Module on Symptom Management in Patients Diagnosed With Pulmonary Hypertension

This study evaluated the effects of the Dynamic Blended Education Module (DBEM) on symptom management in patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The study aimed to improve participants' ability to manage core PH symptoms-including dyspnea, chest pain, syncope, fatigue/weakness, anxiety/worry, edema, pain, and nausea-vomiting-both due to the disease process and the side effects of medications used. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

The sample size was calculated using the G*Power program. An expected effect size of d=0.4 for the intervention group was considered, and it was determined that a total of 46 patients were required to achieve 85% power and a 5% alpha error. Initially, 46 patients were enrolled and assigned via stratified randomization by age, sex, and PH classification into the intervention (n=23) and control (n=23) groups. Baseline assessments included the Patient Identification Data Form, as well as validated and reliable instruments: EmPHasis-10 Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), and Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCUQ). Functional capacity was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, Verbal Category Scale, and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Patients rested for 10 minutes before the 6MWT. At the start of the test, dyspnea, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded. Participants walked for 6 minutes along a 30-meter corridor at their usual walking pace, with rest breaks as needed. The total walking distance was recorded, and symptoms were monitored during the test. At the end of the test, distance walked was calculated, and dyspnea, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were re-measured.

In the intervention group, symptom management was monitored by telephone during the first month. In the third month, the first intervention, which included face-to-face symptom management training during outpatient visits, was performed. This training covered the recognition and daily management of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, fatigue/weakness, anxiety/worry, edema, pain, and nausea-vomiting. After the initial intervention, 2 patients were excluded (ex), and new patients were enrolled according to randomization and inclusion criteria to maintain the sample size. Telephone follow-up continued between the 3rd and 6th months to monitor treatment adherence and symptom management.

In the sixth month, an educational video describing the experience of a patient who effectively managed their own symptoms was shown face-to-face during outpatient visits, and peer support was provided to participants to facilitate symptom management; follow-up of patients continued by telephone between the 6th and 9th months, and data analysis was completed by repeating the outcome assessments in the 9th month.

All participants completed the planned education and follow-up processes in both the intervention and control groups.