Using action and coping planning to support self-management of heart failure among veterans

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sabrina Thomas (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Kae Livsey

Abstract: Objective: This descriptive pilot study examines the influence of Action Planning (AP) and CopingPlanning (CP) in the veteran population to support self-management of heart failure (HF).Design: This pilot study used a one-group pretest -post test time series design that examined the effect ofusing AP and CP on self management of heart failureSample: A convenience sample of 18 veterans who had been hospitalized with heart failure was utilizedfor this pilot study.Methods: Participants were provided with a standard educational intervention about self-management ofheart failure, and then assisted in making an AP and CP to assist with client directed goals forself-management. Data gathered included pretest and post test scores on the self-care of heartfailure index (SCHFI) and the general self-efficacy scale (GSE); whether or not goals were met;satisfaction level with use of AP and CP; and rates of readmission within 30 days of the originalhospitalization. Data on goal achievement was gathered at two week and six week intervals after the intervention. Post test responses on SCHFI and GSE were gathered six weeks after theintervention.Results: Seventy-two percent (72%) of study participants stated they were meeting their goal at the six weekinterval. Four of 18 participants did not return second SCHFI/GSE questionnaire. Of thosewho returned the questionnaire, 28.6% reported no symptoms of shortness of breath or ankleswelling for the past month, indicating heart failure was managed. Overall scores on the SCFHIimproved in the maintenance and confidence sections. While the small sample limits the abilityto make definitive conclusions, t-test analysis did show significant improvement on mean scoreson the maintenance and confidence subscales of the SCHFI. Overall, satisfaction with the use ofAP and CP was high. There was no effect on 30 day hospital readmissions. Also, no change inself-efficacy was noted after using AP and CP. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that AP and CP may be useful techniques to encourage self managementof HF. Supporting individuals in making self-care goals is a patient-centeredapproach that, in this small sample, produced high satisfaction with use of AP and CP. Given thesmall sample size, additional research using a larger sample is warranted.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
action planning, coping planning, heart failure, self-care of heart failure index, self-management, volitional intervention
Subjects
Self-care, Health
Heart failure
Veterans -- Medical care
Patient education
Nurse and patient

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