The use of innovative methods designed to relieve social isolation in patients with chronic heart failure; volunteer befriending, forums and a newsletter.
BACKGROUND
Social isolation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is an adverse prognostic factor. This paper reports the creation of a supportive patient/carer network (Heart Failure Support Service), led by a voluntary sector/National Health Service (NHS) partnership which involved volunteer befriending, regular patient and carer forum and a newsletter.
Over 3 years, 37 volunteers were 'befrienders' to over 50 individuals with CHF. A thorough training and matching process ensured that the first befriending visit was a positive experience. 100% of patients found the visits from the volunteer worthwhile and said they would recommend the service to other patients. Prior to the first patient-carer forum, 200 questionnaires were sent out with a 56% response rate, 44% of respondents believed that a forum and a newsletter would be valued. Over a period of 3 years, 12 quarterly meetings were held with an average attendance of 30-40 per meeting. The newsletter (current circulation >800 per quarter) contributed to self-management and encouraged communication between professionals and patients-carers.


CONCLUSIONS
The Heart Failure Support Service (volunteers, forum and newsletter) created a supportive patient-carer network and represents a successful voluntary sector/NHS partnership.
Peardon
Louise
L
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, 65 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3LT, United Kingdom. louise.peardon@chss.org.uk
Yellowlees
Diane
D
Pratt
Rebekah
R
Reid
Janet
J
O'Donnell
Maureen
M
Ness
Andrea
A
Chalmers
Campbell
C
Leslie
Stephen J
SJ
Denvir
Martin A
MA
D003142:Communication; D033062:Friends; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016730:Program Development; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom; D014838:Volunteers