| Summary: | <p><strong>Background:</strong> The increase in Heart Failure incidence globally poses a major public health challenge. Living with advanced heart failure places a considerable burden on patients and their informal caregivers. Improved education and support to patients and their informal caregivers and input of palliative care services could support both in living with heart failure.</p>
<p><strong>Aims and objectives:</strong> To evaluate an 8-week programme of education and support delivered in a day hospice for people diagnosed with heart failure and their informal caregivers.</p>
<p><strong>Methods:</strong> Semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Patients and informal caregivers focus groups were conducted separately at the conclusion of the 8 week programme. They were recorded, transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analyses were performed.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 10 focus groups were conducted. Most patient participants were male (92%), aged > 70 years, and most informal caregiver participants were female (93%) and aged > 50 years. Analysis of the data found the patient participants' themes were the Importance of Knowledge; Support and Communication; Gateway to Resources and ‘Living well’ with heart failure. The informal caregiver focus groups found similar themes; Becoming Stronger; Altered Outcome for the Future and Connection through knowledge.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Patients evaluated the 8-week programme positively, finding the increase in knowledge of heart failure and resources available increased their confidence and thoughts about their future. The support gained from other people with heart failure was invaluable. Informal caregivers through increased understanding of heart failure and access to peer support, reported feeling calmer, more confident and less fearful of what lay ahead.</p>
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