A qualitative study of chronic heart failure patients' understanding of their symptoms and drug therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To explore patients' understanding of their symptoms and the treatment of their heart failure.


METHODS
Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, using a constant comparative approach.


METHODS
27 patients identified by Cardiology and Care of the Elderly physicians as having (a) symptomatic heart failure (New York Heart Association functional classes II, III and IV) and (b) a hospital admission for heart failure in the previous 20 months.


RESULTS
Patients were aged between 38-94 years (mean 69), 20 were in NYHA functional class III or IV. All had at least one concurrent illness. Analysis of the data identified four key areas: patients had little understanding of the purpose of their medications, were concerned about both the quantity and combination of drugs they were prescribed, had difficulties in differentiating between the side effects of drugs and symptoms of heart failure, and had little knowledge to help them interpret and/or treat changing symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Providing patients with relevant information about their medications may help to reduce anxiety about the drugs they are taking. Acknowledging the symptoms associated with heart failure and the likely side effects of treatments might improve patients' ability to interpret, treat or relieve symptoms.
Rogers
Angie
A
Department of Palliative Care and Policy, Kings College London, London, UK. angela.rogers@kcl.ac.uk
Addington-Hall
Julia M
JM
McCoy
Anne S M
AS
Edmonds
Polly M
PM
Abery
Alison J
AJ
Coats
Andrew J S
AJ
Gibbs
J Simon R
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents