Outcomes of a chronic heart failure training program for health professionals

Abstract

The recent proliferation of chronic heart failure (CHF) disease management programs has created a need for greater provision of high quality training for health professionals in this area. Greater practitioner self-efficacy and positive practice change are both indicators of training impact. This study investigated the effects of health professional training by examining health professionals’ self-efficacy and practice changes. In addition, perceived barriers to setting up a program for CHF patients were explored. A sample of 46 health professionals completed a questionnaire prior to and immediately after participation in the training program. Telephone interviews with participants were undertaken four months after training. Participants’ self-efficacy significantly improved over the course of the training. This improvement was maintained four months later. Positive practice changes included translating knowledge into clinical practice, changing or setting up a program, improving patient management and education, implementing clinical pathways and using action plans. The major barriers experienced when setting up a program were limited funding and insufficient staff. One of the main highlights of this study was the increased self-efficacy of practitioners over the four month period, indicating the positive boost professional training can provide. This finding highlights participants’ motivation to change professional practice and to set goals for practice change. More CHF training programs need to be developed and a stronger emphasis towards evaluating these programs is necessary to ensure a prepared and proactive workforce in this area.