Exploration of Self-Care Following Distribution of Acute Management Tool for Elder Heart Failure Patients in Clinic Setting

Author： Vincent Sharon E. Mutsch Karen S.

Publisher： Springer Publishing Company

ISSN： 1939-2095

Source： Clinical Scholars Review, Vol.8, Iss.2, 2015-10, pp. : 215-221

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The aim of this mixed method, quantitative descriptive study was to develop an understanding of heart failure (HF) patient symptoms and perceptions. Rehospitalization is significant, with cardiovascular disease treatment costs in the United States exceeding all other diagnostic groups. Many readmissions are preventable. Teaching gaps exist during discharge.The Palliative Care Outcome Scale instrument provided patient-reported functional outcomes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined differences. Glaser and Strauss's grounded theory guided the qualitative analysis of HF patients (N = 10) in the HF clinic setting. The transactional model of stress and adaptation (Lazarus, DeLongis, Folkman, & Gruen, 1985) gave meaning to patient adherence.Comparisons of patient, staff, and caregiver scores were not significantly different. However, when only patient and staff responses were compared, patients reported significantly higher symptom scores. Significantly, staff were not recognizing all HF symptoms. Qualitative themes were physical, psychological, management, and self-care.Limitations were small sample size and some patients did not have caregivers. The study needs to be repeated over a longer period with more participants' caregivers and a larger, diverse sample.This project has potential to provide collaborative improvement when teaching during critical discharge processes. Nurses and patients must vigilantly recognize worsening of HF symptoms.