Carer support from a community-based heart specialist nurse service

This article describes carers' experiences of the support to them by a specialist heart failure nurse (SHFN) service working in the community. In particular, it focuses on the elements of the service they felt to be beneficial to them in their roles as carers. Four carers were interviewed in their own homes. From the interviews, three key themes emerged: education, rapport/ongoing suport and financial concerns. Overall, there was a high level of satisfaction regarding the education, and particularly the medication advice, the the SHFN provided. The role of the SHFN as a nurse prescriber was highly valued. Carers also appreciated the rapport they had with the SHFN. The case management approach was seen to enhance the relationship with the carer as the SHFN coordinated care throughout the patient's disease trajectory. In addition, participants held a great respect for the SHFN's clinical expertise and were reassured that support was available should they need it. Financial concerns led to the most emotive dialogue. The evaluation has outlined the important role that an SHFN can offer in supporting carers. As case managers, SHFNs work opportunistically and proactively to recognize carer fatigue and implement appropriate strategies. As the health service in England moves into a challenging economic climate of commissioning services, it is important that the added value SHFNs offer in supporting carers is recognized.