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Living with Chronic Heart Failure: Exploring Patient, Informal Caregiver, and Healthcare Professional Perceptions

Author

Listed:
  • Natasa Sedlar

    (National Institute of Public Health, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Mitja Lainscak

    (General Hospital Murska Sobota, SI-9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia
    Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Jerneja Farkas

    (National Institute of Public Health, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    General Hospital Murska Sobota, SI-9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia
    Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

Due to the complexity of heart failure (HF) and its treatment process, a high level of patient and informal caregiver engagement is required for management results. We aimed to explore the views of HF patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals about personal experiences, perceived needs, and barriers to optimal HF management. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with HF patients ( n = 32), their informal caregivers ( n = 21), and healthcare professionals ( n = 5) was conducted in the outpatient HF clinic in Slovenia in 2018. A content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Negative emotional response to disease and its limitations (especially the inability to continue with work) and changes in family roles were the most prevalent topics regarding the impact of HF on livelihood. Among the most common barriers to HF self-care, were the difficulties in changing lifestyle, financial difficulties due to the disease, traditional cuisine/lack of knowledge regarding a healthy diet and lack of self-confidence regarding physical activity. Despite psychological and social difficulties due to HF being highlighted by patients and informal caregivers, only healthcare professionals emphasized the need to address psychosocial aspects of care in HF management. Established differences could inform the implementation of necessary support mechanisms in HF management.

Suggested Citation

  • Natasa Sedlar & Mitja Lainscak & Jerneja Farkas, 2020. "Living with Chronic Heart Failure: Exploring Patient, Informal Caregiver, and Healthcare Professional Perceptions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-16, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:8:p:2666-:d:344906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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