[Evaluation of an educational intervention in elderly patients with heart failure performed by nurses using a...

To determine the impact of an educational intervention after discharge in patients with heart failure (HF) performed by applying a standardized care plan centered on encouraging self-care and treatment adherence.

We performed a longitudinal study between January, 2006 and May, 2007 in a population of 112 patients selected after being included in a clinical pathway during their hospital stay. Five scheduled visits were made in the first 2 months after hospital discharge; during these visits, an educational care plan was applied to the patients individually and by means of an interview in the HF day hospital. The patients' level of knowledge was quantified by means of a 5-point Likert-like scale. The education was carefully evaluated at each visit. The results were expressed as means. To compare the variables, a repeated measures ANOVA was used.

The mean age of the 100 patients who finalized both phases of the study was 78 years (SD: 7). The intervention was effective in evaluating the level of knowledge acquired by the patients about their disease (signs, symptoms, complications, etc.) and statistically significant differences were obtained in the education acquired at each visit and throughout the 60-day intervention.

Health education in these patients and their families (main caregiver) improved their adaptation to their disease and increased autonomy and treatment adherence, thus improving quality of life.