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Arab et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2023; 9(5): 332-339 337
Table 4. Pre- and post-intervention mean score for illness perception in patients with heart failure
Variable Intervention Control group Intervention group
Mean SD Paired t‑test P Mean SD Paired t‑test P
Illness perception Pre-test 28.22 4.98 0.670 0.50 31.33 10.94 −-014 0.31
Post-test 27.47 7.65 33.49 10.25

intervention group, the mean score of illness perception increased understanding of their illness. A correct understanding of health
from 31.33 before the intervention to 33.49 after the intervention, can reduce mortality, complications, and disease outcomes.
but this improvement was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) Therefore, it is safe to say that although it is useful for patients
(Table 4). to provide consultation to them during hospitalization, especially
in chronic diseases, this does not merely suffice. It should also last
4. Discussion after discharge. Furthermore, care managers in the primary clinical
The results of this study indicated that Pendleton’s setting could create the conditions not only for a better control of
consultation model improved the illness perception in patients the disease, but also for the prevention of adverse events in patients
with heart failure. These findings are consistent with previous with chronic cardiovascular disease such as heart failure [25]. As
studies. a result, coordinating regular consultations based on the needs of
Rakhshan (2013) conducted a study entitled the perception patients at any time is vital in controlling and preventing heart
and experience of patients with pacemakers from the disease failure. It may also raise the quality of life in these patients.
process: Based on Leventhal’s model. They assessed 51 patients There was an average level of cooperation from some patients
with a pacemaker over 10 weeks. Their findings suggest that in completing the questionnaire. By explaining the objectives
patients with pacemakers expect less severity from their illness of the research and reassuring patients that the information was
after the consultation-training intervention. They also consider confidential, we were able to collect the data. Data are based
their disease as a chronic, controllable, and treatable disease. on self-reports. This is a limitation. Given that the CCU ward
They are more adaptable to the disease and more aware of the of Shahid Bahonar Hospital was dissolved during the collection
positive cognitive and emotional manifestations of their illness. of research data, we were not able to collect the data of patients
This means that they have a more favorable interpretation of their assigned to this hospital, thus patients from two other hospitals
disease and its conditions [21]. In another similar study, Tabarian replaced them. This was another limitation of this study.
et al. (2016) examined the effect of consultation and training on 5. Conclusion
illness perception based on Leventhal’s self-regulatory model.
The results showed that after the intervention, the two groups had The findings of this investigation revealed that Pendleton’s
a statistically significant difference in the overall mean score of consultation model improved the illness perception in patients
the illness perception. It was determined that the mean score of with heart failure. Thus, all medical staff should devote their
the illness perception and its components in the intervention group clinical interventions and special measures to increasing the
increased [22]. illness perception in these patients. They also need to consider
Petrie et al. (2012) in a clinical trial examined the effect of training and consultation as the benchmark of their efforts. It is
a text message program on adherence to the treatment regimen important to note that the effectiveness of the Pendleton model
for young patients with asthma in New Zealand. The purpose or any consultation model can vary depending on factors such
of this program was to change the perception of the illness and as the context of care, health-care professional training, patient
the patient’s beliefs about medication. The researchers reported population, and individual preferences. Therefore, future studies
that the text message program increased the rate of adherence with a focus on the aforementioned variables are required.
to asthma prevention drugs and may be useful in other diseases Furthermore, it is also suggested that in future studies, the nursing
where adherence to the treatment is important [23]. Jahandar consultation needs to be done with a higher number of sessions
et al. (2016) examined the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and telephone follow-ups for more efficacy, if it is cost-effective.
intervention on illness perception and quality of life of Type 2 Acknowledgments
diabetic patients. The results showed that relatively short-
term cognitive-behavioral group intervention could lead to This project is registered with the Kerman University of
a significant increase in illness perception in Type 2 diabetic Medical Sciences under the code 97000743. The words of
patients [24]. gratitude go to the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology
Perception of the illness affects how a patient controls the of the University and the patients participating in the study.
disease, and adapts to it. Health interventions through consultation Funding
and education based on the perception of the illness can help
improve the health and recovery of the patient. Patients follow The authors received no financial support for the research and/
consultation to manage their illness when they have a clear or publication of this article.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202305.22-00161