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Existentially Oriented Group Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure: Intervention Development and Preliminary
Noa Vilchinsky1, Yaffit Horowitz, Eran Bar-Kalifa
1Noa Vilchinsky, PhD Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. Yaffit Horowitz, MA MA Student, Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. Eran Bar-Kalifa, PhD Senior Lecturer, Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Tatiana Berlin, MD Director of the HF clinic, The HF Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kefar Saba; and Sourasky School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel. Morris Mosseri, MD Head of the Cardiology Department, The HF Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kefar Saba; and Sourasky School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel.
This pilot study explored an existential group intervention for heart failure (HF) patients. Fully participating patients reported improvements in personal growth, social support, self-worth, and mastery, suggesting potential benefits for HF well-being.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Health Intervention Studies
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) patients face significant psychological distress and existential concerns, impacting their well-being and prognosis.
- Existing literature lacks sufficient focus on psychological interventions tailored to address these specific existential issues in HF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and pilot an "existentially oriented group intervention" for patients with heart failure (HF).
- To assess the feasibility and explore the subjective experiences of patients participating in this novel intervention.
Main Methods:
- A seven-week, once-weekly, 1-hour group intervention was implemented.
- Twelve patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure participated in two consecutive groups.
- The Narrative Evaluation of Intervention Interview was used to gather qualitative data on patient experiences.
Main Results:
- High dropout rates were observed in the intervention.
- Patients who completed the program reported satisfaction and progress in personal growth, social support, self-worth, and mastery.
Conclusions:
- The "existentially oriented group intervention for patients with heart failure" shows preliminary promise.
- Further research is recommended to rigorously test this intervention in heart failure populations.
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