The effect of education based on the seven-step (7E) learning cycle on the quality of life of stroke patients and the care burden of their caregivers: a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Education deficiency increases caregiver burden, worsening patient's Quality of Life (QoL). The Seven-Step (7E) model enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills using previous experiences. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of education using 7E model on the stroke patients' QoL and the caregivers' burden.

Methods: Following a single-blind parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 110 patient-caregiver dyads were included in the present study from 10 July 2024 to 15 November 2024. The study was conducted in two hospitals and one clinic affiliated with the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. They were randomly divided into two groups: 7E model ( = 55) and routine education ( = 55). Data was collected with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). In the experimental group, training was conducted based on the 7E model. The questionnaires were completed at the pre-test stage and eight weeks later as post-tests.

Results: Before the intervention, the two groups did not have a statistically significant difference in demographic information and the total score of QoL and CBI ( > 0.05). After intervention, the analysis showed that the mean scores were significantly higher in all dimensions except mobility and self-care in the experimental group compared to the control group ( < 0.05). Also, regarding caregiver burden, after removing the effect of age, results showed that the CBI in all dimensions' scores in the experimental group were significantly lower compared to the control group ( = 0.004).

Conclusion: Compared to conventional educational approaches, 7E model demonstrated greater efficacy in improving patients' quality of life and reducing caregiver burden.