Managing the psychosocial aspects of heart failure: a case study

Depression is common in patients who have heart failure. This article presents a brief psychological intervention that could be useful for heart failure patients with depression that is likely to be precipitated by heart failure.

A brief intervention was designed to help heart failure patients. It was delivered in an outpatient setting as an adjunct to a nurse consultant-led clinic. A case study of 'Albert', who completed measures at 1 month on the waiting list before the intervention, and at 6 months after completion of the intervention is presented.

The impact of the intervention was limited but it did show that the patient's scores on the emotional items of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire had improved. The patient also used more active coping skills after the intervention. The patient self-reported an improvement in his loneliness, depression and sleep problems. The nurse consultant involved in his care reported an improvement in his anxiety about his condition.

This brief intervention showed some benefits for Albert. Ideally, more follow-up sessions should be provided. However, the patient stated that he felt that the intervention had helped him to start managing his heart failure.