Patients strategies for managing medication for chronic heart failure

To explore patients views of the management of medication of chronic heart failure (CHF); to explore in what circumstances they have difficulties in managing medication. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews using a constant comparative approach. Patients attending an outpatients clinic with a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of cardiology 2006-04, Vol.109 (1), p.66-73
Main Authors: Reid, M., Clark, A., Murdoch, D.L., Morrison, C., Capewell, S., McMurray, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiology. Vascular system
Concordance
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Heart
Heart failure
Heart Failure - drug therapy
Heart failure, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, cardiac enlargement
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Medication management
Middle Aged
Patient Compliance
Patients views
Qualitative Research
Self Administration
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Summary:To explore patients views of the management of medication of chronic heart failure (CHF); to explore in what circumstances they have difficulties in managing medication. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews using a constant comparative approach. Patients attending an outpatients clinic with a primary diagnosis of CHF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction, NYHA Class II or III symptoms, and a history of hospital admission for heart failure. 50 patients were recruited, average age 67.1 years with ranges between 41 and 80 years. 26 were classified as NYHA Class II and 24 Class III. Patients reported developing routines and back up strategies to help with the complex task of medication-taking. They also described circumstances in which they were more likely not to take medication. This study demonstrates, with a large sample of respondents, the complexities of medication-taking and the difficulties of maintaining constant medication over a long period of time. The study provides examples of patients' strategies for so doing. Health care professionals should recognise that concordance may vary but explore ways in which they can help patients establish routines.
ISSN:0167-5273
1874-1754
DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.05.051