Implementing a Protocol to Improve Self-Care Behaviors in Adult Patients With Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a condition that affects millions of Americans and costs $30 billion to treat annually. HF is the cause for frequent hospitalizations. Self-care practices have been found to improve quality of life, decrease hospitalizations, and reduce treatment costs.

Fifteen adult patients with a HF diagnosis ages 18 to 70 voluntarily participated in the implementation of a protocol aimed at improving self-care behaviors in patients with HF in a private cardiology practice located in a southeastern city.

The project was a quality improvement design. A protocol was implemented using resources from the American Heart Association. Monitoring logs were provided to patients to record daily weights, sodium intake, blood pressure, and symptoms. Educational resources included information about medications and a list of valid HF websites. Participants were provided medication organizers and a two-liter container with which to monitor daily fluid intake. The written information and logs were compiled in red folders.

Of the 15 participants, there were no hospital admissions or readmissions for HF during the implementation period. Leg and ankle swelling worsened; dyspnea improved; fewer participants felt like a burden to their family; HF knowledge improved.

The findings indicate the feasibility of implementing the protocol throughout a private practice organization.