Existentially Oriented Group Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure: Intervention Development and Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) cope with a chronic, life-threatening, particularly disabling medical condition. Their well-being is considered to be at a greater risk than that of patients with any other cardiovascular disease, and their psychological distress is associated with a worse prognosis. These patients are often preoccupied with existential concerns such as fear of death, loneliness, and a loss of sense of meaning. However, there is a dearth of literature regarding psychological interventions that address these issues among this population. Aims: We, the authors of the current pilot study, present the development and initial implementation of a novel protocol: “existentially oriented group intervention for patients with heart failure.” Our aims were to test the intervention's feasibility, as well as to explore patients' subjective experience of it. Methods: The intervention (consisting of seven 1-hour weekly sessions) was applied to 2 consecutive groups. Twelve patients coping with HF levels III and IV—according to the New York Heart Association classification—from a hospital-based HF clinic participated. The Narrative Evaluation of Intervention Interview was applied. Results: Although high dropout levels were detected, the patients who fully participated in the program reported on satisfaction and progress in the following 4 domains: personal growth, social support, self-worth, and mastery. Conclusions: On the basis of our preliminary findings, the “existentially oriented group intervention for patients with heart failure” is recommended to be further tested among patients coping with HF.

Experiencing the possibility of near death on a daily basis: A phenomenological study of patients with chronic heart failure

“…9 In addition, few interventions have been designed to address these issues for people with CHF, and these have had very limited impact. 13 Faced with this situation, health professionals need to understand these patients' experiences to design updated and innovative interventions that improve their wellbeing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the thoughts about death experienced by patients with CHF in their daily lives.…”