Palliative and supportive needs of older adults with heart failure

Cortis, J. D.; Williams, Anne

doi:10.1111/j.1466-7657.2007.00558.x

Cited by 36 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…[31, 32] This view is found throughout the scientific literature; mainly focused on inpatient referrals in the United States and outpatient care in the United Kingdom (UK). [2, 24, 26, 27, 33] A second issue is the lack of understanding of the wide range of supportive interventions subsumed under the umbrella of palliative care. This type of supportive care encompasses many interventions that are routinely done by healthcare providers, but not identified as such, for example, the discussion of advance directives or family counseling.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heart Failure and Palliative Care: Implications in Practice

Hupcey

Penrod

Fogg

2009

Journal of Palliative Medicine

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The numbers of people with heart failure is continually rising. Despite continued medical advances that may prolong life, there is no cure. While typical heart failure trajectories include the risk of sudden death, heart failure is typically characterized by periods of stability interrupted by acute exacerbations. The unpredictable nature of this disease and the inability to predict its terminal phase has resulted in few services beyond medical management being offered. Yet, this population has documented unmet needs that extend beyond routine medical care. Palliative care has been proposed as a strategy to meet these needs, however these services are rarely offered. Although palliative care should be implemented early in the disease process, in practice it is tied to end-of-life care. The purpose of this study was to uncover whether the conceptualization of palliative care for heart failure as end-of-life care may inhibit the provision of these services. The meaning of palliative care in heart failure was explored from three perspectives: scientific literature, healthcare providers, and spousal caregivers of patients with heart failure. There is confusion in the literature and by the health care community about the meaning of the term palliative care and what the provision of these services entails. Palliative care was equated to end-of-life care, and as a result, healthcare providers may be reluctant to discuss palliative care with heart failure patients early in the disease trajectory. Most family caregivers have not heard of the term and all would be receptive to an offer of palliative care at some point during the disease trajectory.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heart Failure and Palliative Care: Implications in Practice

Hupcey

Penrod

Fogg

2009

Journal of Palliative Medicine

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“…Aldred, Gott, and Gabriballa (2005) found that elderly people experienced lost independence when they needed practical help, and not being able to take care of themselves resulted in feelings of frustration. Cortis and Williams (2007) also show that patients felt imprisoned in their own body because physical limitations stop them from taking care of things on their own, and they no longer feel like themselves. Our study points to similar findings.…”

Section: Comprehensive Interpretation and Reflectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elderly women's experiences of support when living with congestive heart failure

Sundin

Bruce

Barremo

2010

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well

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Heart failure is a chronic syndrome that has physiological, psychological and social effects. The aim of the study was to illuminate the meanings of support as experienced by elderly women with chronic heart failure. Narrative interviews were conducted with five elderly women with chronic heart failure. A phenomenological hermeneutic method of interpretation was used. The meanings of support were experienced by the women out of two perspectives, that is, when support is present and when there is a lack of support. The findings were revealed in two themes: “Feeling confident means support” and “Feeling abandoned”. The women do not wish to be a burden. They want to be independent as much as possible to defend their dignity. An important support to the women is that they are understood and confirmed in their illness. Supportive relations are most valuable, that is, a relationship that supports the women's independence. If there is no supportive relationship, they feel like a burden to others and they feel lonely; this loneliness creates suffering and counteracts wellbeing and health.

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“…Furthermore, evidence indicates that communication, especially about prognosis and treatment planning is particularly problematic, and is associated with adverse outcomes and increased suffering. 2, 5, 9, 11, 12 …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%