425 THE IMPACT OF NURSING EDUCATION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE DURING CARDIAC REHABILITATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) occurs in 26 million people worldwide and is one of the most common causes of hospitalization, hospital readmission and death. To overcome this, ESC guidelines recommend the cardiologic rehabilitation pathway, which places the patient with HF at the center of his or her care pathway with the aim of improving quality of life through the implementation of a personalized multidisciplinary program. In the cardiology rehabilitation pathway, the nurse plays a key role of education and support, encouraging the patient to change. The aim of the review is to explore the quality of life of the elderly patient with HF and the educational role of nursing in the cardiac rehabilitation setting. Materials and Methods A systematic search was conducted using PUBMED, CINAHL until June 2022, according to REA methodology. The quality of the study was assessed by three reviewers using the DIXONWOOD checklist. Results and discussion: Analysis of the results suggests that multiple aspects need to be considered to improve the management and quality of life of patients with HF. Among these, the literature cites the implementation of a network of nurse case managers, standardization of operative protocols, mental and physical pain management, and cardiac rehabilitation units after hospital discharge. It also shows how physical activity, according to the ERIC-HF program, can improve the ability to perform ADL activities (Kang Y. et all, 2020). An additional study found that home cardiac rehabilitation intervention results in clinically significant improvement in disease-related quality of life in patients with HF. Cost-utility analyses support that home cardiac rehabilitation programs are cost-effective treatments for patients with HF and that nurses play a key role in educating and managing their condition (Rod s. et all, 2019). They should encourage patients with heart failure to practice cardiac rehabilitation for a longer period to improve their quality of life. One study shows that rehabilitation intervention for caregivers of patients with HF is helpful in supporting their role and improving their confidence (Wingham J. et all, 2019). Conclusions Cardiac rehabilitation in which nurses are present proves to be crucial in both psychological (Suzanne H et al, 2018) and exercise-enhancing projects to improve long-term health conditions, as shown by Kentaro, K., this approach produces benefits on patients with HF and their caregivers. It induces in the patient greater autonomy in daily activities, medication adherence and self-care of the disease, delaying its progression. At the same time, for caregivers there is a reduction in caregiver burden resulting in economic, emotional and social improvement. For the National Health Service, there is a reduction in length of stay in intensive care and emergency departments and consequently, a decrease in costs.