Learning needs of patients with heart failure a descriptive, exploratory study

Abstract

Although an educational programme for patients with heart failure should be based on the patients' learning needs, heart failure management and education programmes in Korea are not currently developed using a needs-based approach. Therefore, this study will provide a basis for encouraging Korean patients to obtain information about their disease and to guide professionals in developing heart failure management and education programmes.

A Narrative Literature Review of the Experiences of Patients Living With Heart Failure

“…However, a recent study suggested that individuals with sufficient knowledge about their illness acknowledge that information may improve illness management and outcomes. 38 This is supported by another study indicating that the individual's knowledge about illness was associated with HRQOL and the use of coping strategies. 40 However, both studies were cross-sectional in design, thus causal relationships cannot be evaluated.…”

“…38,39,41 This suggests that factors such as cultural differences may influence the patient's perception of the importance of learning needs. Both Kim et al 38 sign of respect for authority. The former attributed this to the paternalistic influence from the family, while the latter ascribed this to the Chinese belief that maintaining harmony is cardinal.…”

“…17,22,37 This finding is echoed in 3 quantitative studies that identified HF-related symptoms and medications as the top learning needs, which patients with HF perceived to be most important. 38,39,41 All of these studies used the Heart Failure Patients' Learning Needs Inventory, and the mean scores varied among the 3 studies, with the United States being the highest (mean = 3.955) and China being the lowest (mean = 3.291). 38,39,41 This suggests that factors such as cultural differences may influence the patient's perception of the importance of learning needs.…”

“…38,39,41 All of these studies used the Heart Failure Patients' Learning Needs Inventory, and the mean scores varied among the 3 studies, with the United States being the highest (mean = 3.955) and China being the lowest (mean = 3.291). 38,39,41 This suggests that factors such as cultural differences may influence the patient's perception of the importance of learning needs. Both Kim et al 38 sign of respect for authority.…”

“…Some authors have reported that the differences in culture were not related to the illness experience and coping strategies, 14,25 while others suggested otherwise. 1,30,38,39 A qualitative study conducted in Malaysia highlighted that problem-focused coping strategies, such as diet and adherence to treatment, might be influenced by cultural belief. 1 Although lifestyle modification is important for patients with HF, the researchers noted that the participants shared the belief that the sick should consume more water "to reduce heat and cleanse the body" and remove excess medicine from the body.…”