Abstract
LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify innovative and effective educational strategies for individuals with congestive heart failure Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are most often coping with multiple health problems and are overwhelmed with many necessary lifestyle changes. Challenges in teaching new dietary behaviors include variations in a patient's: 1) disability due to disease; 2) educational level; 3) attitude toward change; and 4) preferred methods of learning. To effectively care for the CHF patient, outpatient heart failure centers are being implemented using a multidisciplinary team. One heart failure center is receiving outside funding for a two year demonstration project using a Registered Dietitian to develop and implement educational strategies specific to the CHF patient. As a first step in this process, a needs assessment was conducted. The results show: 1) educational materials specific to CHF patients are not available; 2) CHF patients in outpatient centers receive the majority of ongoing nutrition education from nurses; 3) patients learn in a variety of ways; 4) patients have dietary misconceptions about CHF (e.g. counting fat grams is more important than limiting dietary sodium). Based on these results, educational techniques specific to CHF patients have been implemented. “Taste Fests” introducing new products and modified recipes are offered during existing exercise classes and support groups. Basic sodium and fluid concepts are taught using games and unique educational props such as the CHF fluid pitcher. Written materials have been developed and tested and are provided to the patient in a variety of formats including pamphlets, refrigerator magnets, recipe cards and an “Ask the Dietitian” column in the CHF newsletter. Data compiled after one year of the project indicate 90% of all CHF patients receive medical nutrition therapy and of those approximately 79% meet their sodium goal and 82% meet their fluid intake goal
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
