Determining the Key Education Priorities Related to Heart Failure Care in Nursing Homes: A Modified Delphi Approach

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Cardiology

Background:

• Limited understanding exists regarding heart failure (HF) education priorities for nursing home nurses.
• Effective care for residents with HF necessitates targeted educational support for nursing staff.
• Identifying these priorities is crucial for enhancing the quality of care in nursing home settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve consensus on key HF education priorities for nurses in Northern Ireland nursing homes.
• To inform the development of relevant and effective HF education programs for this specific population.
• To address the gap in knowledge concerning the perceived educational needs of nurses caring for HF patients in long-term care.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi technique was employed to establish consensus among nursing home nurses.
• An initial list of 58 items across 19 domains was developed from literature reviews and interviews.
• Two survey rounds using a 5-point Likert scale and domain ranking were conducted with 54 and 34 participants, respectively.

Main Results:

• General heart failure (HF) education and person-centered care were identified as high priorities.
• Education on HF management technologies and quality improvement/research methodologies were ranked as lower priorities.
• Consensus was reached on the essential educational needs for nurses in nursing home settings.

Conclusions:

• Nursing home nurses require foundational HF education and training in person-centered care delivery.
• Current educational offerings may not align with the perceived needs regarding HF technology and research.
• Findings provide a clear roadmap for developing targeted HF education for nursing home staff.