Nurse-led interventions in heart failure care: Patient and nurse perspectives.

Abstract: Background: Perspectives of nurses and patients on the intensity and content of disease management programmes (DMPs) in heart failure are seldom addressed but are important in optimizing these programmes. Aim: To describe the perspectives of patients and nurses on delivered care in two DMPs. Methods: In total 442 patients (62% male; age 68±12years; LVEF 33%±14), assigned to the intervention groups of the Coordinating Study Evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counselling in HF (COACH), and 32 registered nurses, completed questionnaires on satisfaction with the intensity and components of the DMPs. Results: In spite of large differences in intensity and components, patients were satisfied with the content of both DMPs. In patients (NYHA III–IV), treatment and educational goals were more often achieved in those who received intensive support, compared to patients who received basic support (85% vs. 70%). Patients and nurses perceived that most home visits were adding significant value to the HF care, while 12% of the home visits were perceived as unnecessary by the nurses. Conclusion: Patients and nurses did not perceive the intense DMP as an emotional and physical burden for themselves. Patients with severe HF might be in need of more support to achieve optimal treatment and educational goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]