Houston, we have a (Heart Failure Education) Problem: Results of a Heart Failure Needs Assessment Survey and Resultant Educational Program

Abstract

to assess understanding and benefits. Results showed that 94% reported HFA was "beneficial" or "very beneficial" to their health, 6% reported HFA identified questions they now want to ask their physician about their health, 86% identified at least 1 community resource they plan to use and 74% identified at least 1 health practice change. Conclusion:Results demonstrate this supportive-educational intervention can have an improvement in the participant's level of understanding of their disease process and appears to decrease readmission rates. The HFA appears to also empower patients to ask questions, discuss issues and become an active participant within their health care team. Allowing and encouraging the participation of family and care givers has also shown to be beneficial. Further studies are needed to evaluate the ability to retain education and improve outcomes.