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Author Spotlight: Workflow for Integrating POCUS Data into EHR for Managing Heart Failure Patients
Published on: July 12, 2024
A Qualitative Study on the Self-Care Experiences of People with Heart Failure
Deulle Min1, Jungeun Lee2, Jeong-Ah Ahn3
1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Korea.
Abstract:
We aimed to explore in-depth experiences and emotions of people with heart failure within the context of self-care. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Ten patients were recruited from an outpatient clinic at a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea between September and November 2019. Data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. Participants were 68-86 years old, and 80% were men. Five themes of the self-care experiences of persons with heart failure were identified: "Suddenly diagnosed with heart failure," "Unpredictable symptoms and unprepared for self-care," "Dependent on caring family on a heartbreaking uphill," "Self-care efforts with apprehension," and "Continued self-care efforts with expert help." Programs to support self-care for people with heart failure are needed and should be developed by incorporating patients' needs and reflecting their uncertainty and vulnerability.
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