How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions

Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a highly dysfunctional disease, with impact on the biopsychosocial dimensions of the patients. The worldwide progressive growth of HF incidence, caused by longer life expectancy, results in higher HF rehospitalization rates. HF patients’ rehospitalization is mostly...

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Main Authors: Maria do Sá Sá, Ana Sofia Nabais
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ludomedia 2022-11-01
Series:New Trends in Qualitative Research
Online Access:https://publi.ludomedia.org/index.php/ntqr/article/view/557
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author Maria do Sá Sá
Ana Sofia Nabais
author_facet Maria do Sá Sá
Ana Sofia Nabais
author_sort Maria do Sá Sá
collection DOAJ
description Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a highly dysfunctional disease, with impact on the biopsychosocial dimensions of the patients. The worldwide progressive growth of HF incidence, caused by longer life expectancy, results in higher HF rehospitalization rates. HF patients’ rehospitalization is mostly a result of avoidable causes, including limitations in knowledge regarding HF self-care and impaired therapeutic adherence; therefore, the intervention of nurses is essential. Goals: To identify nursing interventions to address alterations in Basic Human Needs (BHN) and to promote relief of symptoms for HF patients as they transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care. Method: A systematic review in CINAHL and MEDLINE databases to answer the study question: In patients with HF, what nursing interventions help to improve BHN, promote relief of symptoms and aid the transition from hospital to home? Results: Nine studies were included. Nursing interventions focused on relief of symptoms during hospitalization to promote well-being and the individual’s health status. Preparing the patient’s transition from hospital to home earlier in their admission allows for the identification and adequate response to patient needs. Language adaptation during health education and a periodic follow-up were effective measures to promote independence in HF self-care and to reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates. Even though these interventions show positive results, they are not frequently used in clinical practice given a lack of specialized education about HF among healthcare professionals and empowerment culture, as well as an incapacity for adequate patient follow-up. Final Considerations: The nurse is responsible for helping the patient to develop skills to manage their symptoms (e.g., recognize relevant symptoms) and the therapeutic regimen; if successfully achieved, this promotes empowerment, thus reducing readmissions and promoting well-being.
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spelling doaj.art-1579057ab60d42b087acd0fd0b611a122022-12-22T03:41:41ZengLudomediaNew Trends in Qualitative Research2184-77702022-11-0111-10.36367/ntqr.11.2022.e557How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventionsMaria do Sá Sá0Ana Sofia Nabais1Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, PortugalEscola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Lisboa Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a highly dysfunctional disease, with impact on the biopsychosocial dimensions of the patients. The worldwide progressive growth of HF incidence, caused by longer life expectancy, results in higher HF rehospitalization rates. HF patients’ rehospitalization is mostly a result of avoidable causes, including limitations in knowledge regarding HF self-care and impaired therapeutic adherence; therefore, the intervention of nurses is essential. Goals: To identify nursing interventions to address alterations in Basic Human Needs (BHN) and to promote relief of symptoms for HF patients as they transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care. Method: A systematic review in CINAHL and MEDLINE databases to answer the study question: In patients with HF, what nursing interventions help to improve BHN, promote relief of symptoms and aid the transition from hospital to home? Results: Nine studies were included. Nursing interventions focused on relief of symptoms during hospitalization to promote well-being and the individual’s health status. Preparing the patient’s transition from hospital to home earlier in their admission allows for the identification and adequate response to patient needs. Language adaptation during health education and a periodic follow-up were effective measures to promote independence in HF self-care and to reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates. Even though these interventions show positive results, they are not frequently used in clinical practice given a lack of specialized education about HF among healthcare professionals and empowerment culture, as well as an incapacity for adequate patient follow-up. Final Considerations: The nurse is responsible for helping the patient to develop skills to manage their symptoms (e.g., recognize relevant symptoms) and the therapeutic regimen; if successfully achieved, this promotes empowerment, thus reducing readmissions and promoting well-being. https://publi.ludomedia.org/index.php/ntqr/article/view/557
spellingShingle Maria do Sá Sá
Ana Sofia Nabais
How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
New Trends in Qualitative Research
title How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
title_full How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
title_fullStr How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
title_full_unstemmed How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
title_short How to care for patients with heart failure – A systematic review of nursing interventions
title_sort how to care for patients with heart failure a systematic review of nursing interventions
url https://publi.ludomedia.org/index.php/ntqr/article/view/557
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