Study on the Application of 'Internet +' Continuing Care in Athletic Patients

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of "Internet +" continuous nursing interventions on stable patients, with a focus on athletic individuals potentially at risk or suffering from chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We selected 112 discharged patients who were admitted to the respiratory and critical care Medicine Department of our hospital from June to December 2021. These patients, including athletic individuals accustomed to high levels of physical activity, were randomly assigned to either an "Internet +" continuous care intervention group or a routine nursing care group. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of these different nursing interventions on lung function and overall patient recovery. Methods: Utilizing the random number table method, patients were divided into the "Internet +" continuous care group and the routine care group. We assessed the effects of these interventions on various parameters, including expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the percentage of the actual value to predicted value (FEV1%), maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax), and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). Additionally, we evaluated changes in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, anxiety levels, and self-efficacy post-intervention. Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed that the "Internet +" group showed significant improvements in lung function indicators such as FEV1, FEV1%, PImax, PEmax, and 6MWD compared to the routine care group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CAT scores indicating the severity of COPD symptoms were significantly better in the "Internet +" group, alongside more notable improvements in anxiety states and self-efficacy levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of "Internet +" continuous nursing care for stable patients, including those who are athletic, demonstrates a significant positive effect on enhancing lung ventilation function and facilitating a quicker recovery of both physical and mental health. This study underscores the value of incorporating digital health strategies into post-discharge care, especially for individuals with a history of athletic activity, highlighting its worthiness for broader clinical application.