The effect of shared medical visits on knowledge and self-care in patients with heart failure: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with heart failure need education and support to improve knowledge and self-care. Shared medical groups that provide education and support have been successful in other patient populations. This study compares an advanced practice nurse-led shared medical appointment intervention in the office setting with standard care relative to self-care and knowledge among community-living adults with heart failure.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to shared appointment and standard care groups, and completed the Heart Failure Knowledge Test and Self-Care Heart Failure Index at baseline and 8 weeks.


RESULTS
From baseline to 8 weeks, Heart Failure Knowledge Test scores improved more for the intervention group than the control group (F time X group = 4.90, df = 1.21; P = .038). There was no difference in groups' rates of change on the total Self-Care Heart Failure Index.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings reveal improved knowledge when education and support are provided in a shared medical appointment setting. The shared medical visit model may be feasible as a way to provide patients with heart failure and their families with ongoing education and a supportive environment.
Yehle
Karen S
KS
Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Sands
Laura P
LP
Rhynders
Patricia A
PA
Newton
Gail D
GD
D000368:Aged; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires