Enhanced Patient-Centered Educational Program for HF Self-care management in Sub-acute settings

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex condition that leads to inadequate blood circulation causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Heart failure is associated with adverse outcomes such as high rates of hospitalization, readmission, mortality, and poor quality of life. However, despite the establishment of interventions to assist with the control of HF, numerous patients are still being readmitted to the hospital. The main purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of patient centered educational program on self-care management among HF patients in sub-acute settings. The EBP was implemented in two sub-acute units at Alaris Health located at Cedar Grove. A total of 20 participants completed the pretest and 14 participants completed the post test. The Expanded Chronic Care Model of 2003 (ECCM) was utilized as the theoretical framework to coordinate the health determinants which is the “self-care management.” This EBP project used a pretest and post-test using the tool Self-care of Heart Failure Index V6.2(SCHFI). The data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics using the mean and the difference between the pre- and post-test scores. Educational intervention was provided based on the survey scores. The intervention involved provision of educational program related to effective self-care management among HF patients, their families, and care providers. The results of the study demonstrated a statically significant increase in the mean score between the pre-and post-survey related to self-care maintenance, self-care management, and self-confidence. The results of the project suggested that patient-centered educational program can enhance self-care maintenance, management, and confidence among heart failure patients.