Effect of Evidence Based Guidelines on Health Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Waves Lithotripsy for Urolithiasis

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is an effective non-invasive method for managing urinary tract calculi. The application of evidence based guidelines in combination with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in dealing with urolithiasis patient can provide simple and more effective measure to improve clinical outcomes and reduce risk of stone recurrence. Aim of the study: Was to evaluate effect of evidence-based guidelines on health outcomes among patients undergoing extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy for urolithiasis. Design: A quasi experimental study design was utilized. Setting: The study was carried out at the Urology Department in Benha University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 80 conscious patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urolithiasis randomly divided into control group (n=40) & intervention group (n=40). Tools of data collection : Two tools were used, Tool I : A structured interview questionnaire involving socio-demographic characteristics, medical and surgical history data and knowledge assessment questionnaire, Tool II: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy health outcomes assessment tool. Results: Patients' knowledge level regarding Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was significantly higher among intervention group than control group after implementing guidelines. As well as there was a significant statistical differences between both groups regarding pain score in term of pain improvement to be finally (1.28±1.6&4.10±2.2, respectively). Also, there was significantly lower incidence of complications as well as higher quality of life score among intervention group than control group at p value =<0.05 after three months of guidelines implementation. Conclusion: Implementation of evidence-based guidelines was effective in improving patients’ health outcomes with lower pain score, lower incidence of complications and a positive impact on patients’ quality of life among intervention group than control group. In the light of significantly improved knowledge level among intervention group compared to control group. Recommendations: Continuous evaluation of patients’ knowledge regarding post extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy instructions periodically to determine the effect of guidelines implementation during follow up periods.