Heart Failure Care: Testing Dyadic Dynamics Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)-A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Effective heart failure (HF) management relies on patient self-care behaviors.
• Poor self-care in HF patients is linked to adverse clinical outcomes.
• Dyadic interactions between patients and caregivers significantly impact HF self-care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of dyadic heart failure studies utilizing the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).
• To synthesize findings on patient and caregiver characteristics influencing HF self-care within dyadic frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of studies published between 2009 and April 2021.
• Searched Medline, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL Complete databases.
• Included studies using "dyad," "dyadic," and "heart failure" keywords; 15 studies were reviewed.

Main Results:

• APIM effectively analyzes interrelated patient and caregiver characteristics influencing HF self-care.
• Family-oriented approaches demonstrate potential for improving HF patient functioning.
• Caregiver social support is crucial for enhancing patient adaptation to heart failure.

Conclusions:

• The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) is a valuable analytical tool for HF dyadic research.
• A holistic, family-centered approach is recommended for optimizing heart failure care.
• Enhancing caregiver support systems can significantly improve patient self-care and adaptation in heart failure.