The Effectiveness of a Discharge Planning Program on the Quality of Life of Patients with Pneumonia in Khao Suan Kwang District, Khon Kaen Province.

Abstract

This quasi-experimental two-group study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a discharge planning program on the quality of life among patients with pneumonia in Khao Suan Kwang District, Khon Kaen Province. The sample consisted of 72 pneumonia patients who received services at Khao Suan Kwang Hospital, Khao Suan Kwang District, Khon Kaen Province, between May and August 2025. The experimental group included 36 patients, and the control group included 36 patients. The experimental group received a program comprising orientation activities, education about the disease, medication, environmental management, knowledge and skills for preventing infection transmission, health promotion, follow-up appointments, and appropriate diet. The activities required 15–20 minutes. In addition, the experimental group received follow-up care at the Communicable Disease Clinic and home visits for patients and their families. The control group received routine discharge planning. Data were collected using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Paired t-test and Independent t-test. The findings revealed that the experimental group had significantly higher post-intervention quality of life compared to pre-intervention         (p< 0.05), and significantly higher than the control group (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion this discharge planning program was effective in improving the quality of life of pneumonia patients.