Heart failure patients' experiences of a self-management peer support program: A qualitative study

Abstract Objectives Explore the experiences of patients with heart failure in a self-management support program to inform the development of future interventions that support and motivate patients to engage in self-management. Background Peer-support programs have led to improved outcomes among pati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Heart & lung 2014-07, Vol.43 (4), p.292-298
Main Authors: Lockhart, Elizabeth, MPH, Foreman, Jane, ScD, MHS, Mase, Rebecca, MSW, Heisler, Michele, MD, MPA
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiology
Cardiovascular
Clinical outcomes
Critical Care
Depression - etiology
Disease management
Female
Health psychology
Heart failure
Heart Failure - psychology
Heart Failure - therapy
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Peer Group
Peer support
Pulmonary/Respiratory
Qualitative
Qualitative Research
Randomized controlled trial
Self Care
Self-Help Groups
Self-management
Social Support
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Summary:Abstract Objectives Explore the experiences of patients with heart failure in a self-management support program to inform the development of future interventions that support and motivate patients to engage in self-management. Background Peer-support programs have led to improved outcomes among patients with other chronic conditions and may result in similar improvements for heart failure patients. Yet, among patients recently hospitalized for heart failure, over half had no or minimal engagement with a reciprocal peer support program. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 28 patients (mean age 72; 71% Female; 21% African-American; 75% Caucasian) with different levels and types of engagement in a heart failure self-management support program. Results Key themes that emerged included the importance of heart failure specific-social support, sharing information, comparing self to others, depression, and functional status. Conclusions Useful services for heart failure patients provide comfort, restore confidence, and offer practical solutions.
ISSN:0147-9563
1527-3288
DOI:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.04.008