title: Pilot testing of a self-care education intervention for patients with heart failure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A key component of the structured approach to the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) is effective patient education. Patient education is a precursor to performing appropriate health-related behaviours that can decrease rehospitalizations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To pilot test an educational intervention and to determine the efficacy of a self-care manual combined with a DVD for patients with CHF. Outcomes of interest included heart failure-related knowledge and self-care behaviours.
  
  
  METHODS
  This pilot study enrolled a sample of 38 patients with CHF. A pre-test/post-test design was conducted to assess changes in knowledge and self-care abilities. Knowledge was assessed with the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale and self-care behaviours were assessed using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 38 participants 71% were male, 50% were aged between 65 and 74 years, and 31.6% had not completed Year 10 education. There was a statistically significantly difference in the pre- and post-test scores for knowledge (p < 0.0001). Self-care showed positive improvement between pre- and post-test scores; maintenance (p = 0.027), management (p < 0.0001) and confidence (p = 0.051).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study has indicated that a patient-centred self-care manual combined with a DVD is beneficial and is associated with an improvement in patients' knowledge and self-care abilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare professionals should utilize multimedia educational resources specifically designed to meet the learning needs of patients with CHF.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia. m.boyde@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boyde
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D004522:Educational Status; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors