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Published on: July 12, 2024
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Symptom Management in Chronic Heart Failure: Strategies and Behaviours From Patients' Perspectives-A Scoping Review
Severin Pietsch1,2, Sascha Köpke1, Christa Büker2
1Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Summary
Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) use varied strategies for symptom management, often deviating from guidelines for pragmatic coping. Understanding these behaviors is key to improving care and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Chronic heart failure (CHF) significantly impacts millions globally, characterized by high morbidity and mortality.
- Self-management is crucial for CHF patients, yet their daily symptom management strategies are not well-defined.
- Effective symptom management directly influences illness progression and patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively identify and map the diverse behaviors and strategies employed by adults with CHF for managing symptoms in their daily lives.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted across major databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Livivo, Cochrane Library) from 2006-2024.
- Qualitative content analysis (Mayring's method) was used, with categories derived deductively from guidelines and inductively from studies.
- Dodd's Symptom Management Model guided the analysis and structuring of findings into symptom experience, management strategies, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirty-one reports were included, revealing patients use multifaceted strategies across medication, monitoring, activity adjustment, fluid/weight management, and lifestyle.
- Social support plays a critical role in symptom management.
- Patients often deviate from recommended strategies for short-term relief, indicating unmet informational and structural needs.
Conclusions:
- Patient self-management behaviors are central to effective symptom management and should guide tailored professional support.
- Integrating family involvement and digital tools can improve monitoring, decision-making, and patient quality of life.
- Further research applying Dodd's Symptom Management Model is needed to link symptom experience, strategies, and outcomes for practical, daily-life compatible interventions.
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