Factors Related to Self-Care in Heart Failure Patients According to the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness: a Literature Update

Abstract

Purpose of the ReviewAs described in the theory of self-care in chronic illness, there is a wide range of factors that can influence self-care behavior. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the recent heart failure literature on these related factors in order to provide an overview on which factors might be suitable to be considered to make self-care interventions more successful.Recent FindingsRecent studies in heart failure patients confirm that factors described in the theory of self-care of chronic illness are relevant for heart failure patients.SummaryExperiences and skills, motivation, habits, cultural beliefs and values, functional and cognitive abilities, confidence, and support and access to care are all important to consider when developing or improving interventions for patients with heart failure and their families. Additional personal and contextual factors that might influence self-care need to be explored and included in future studies and theory development efforts.

A literature review about self‐care on ostomy patients and their caregivers

“…First, the development of chronic illnesses self-care theories is strongly required in to explain the meaning of self-care and to guide self-care promotion programs in clinical practice. 26,27 Self-care is differently defined across disciplines. Finally, documented associations between self-care behaviours and patients' outcomes could contribute to develop effective health policies and clinical services' organization for chronic illness care.…”

Cognitively impaired patients with heart failure may not perceive weight gain as a risk for decompensation

“…Unfortunately, only 30%–40% of patients with HF weigh themselves every day and understand what to do in case of weight gain. Although cognitive impairment, which is common in patients with HF (25%–50%), reduces self-care behaviours,2 the specific influence of cognitive impairment on adherence to daily weighing and actual weight gain is not clear.…”

Impact of Pain and Evaluation of Education and Self-Care in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and heart failure are examples of chronic diseases for which SC is commonly practised and has been found to be effective [122][123][124]. The aim of SC has been to improve treatment outcomes and health conditions, to increase perceived patient control over the disease and to reduce anxiety and depression [120,125].…”

“…A lifestyle that includes smoking and alcohol might conceivably influence motivation to practice SC. Under some circumstances, socioeconomic factors such as the capacity to afford a healthy lifestyle and to achieve financial balance may affect the ability to practice SC [124]. However, our study did not take into account previous experience with SC, lifestyle or a basic assessment of socioeconomic conditions.…”

“…Both internal and external motivation have proven to be of significance for SC behaviours. However, internal motivation appears to be more important than external [124,214]. In order to increase motivation to practice SC among patients with HNC, a prehabilitation group targeting SC could be introduced even before RT begins.…”