Strategies to improve self-management in heart failure patients.
BACKGROUND
Heart failure is one of the most common causes of hospitalization, hospital readmission and death. Patients with heart failure have many complications, with multiple co-existing diagnoses which result in polypharmacy. Following instructions provided by many physicians, medication adjustments based on changes in their symptoms are required. Behavioral adjustments concerning diet and exercise regime are recommended. Therefore, the patient plays a crucial role in the management of heart failure.


OBJECTIVE
To review the available studies on heart failure self-management, and investigate educational, behavioral and psychosocial strategies that plays an important role to improve patient self-management.


METHODS
A literature review was conducted based upon the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidance. The articles identified through an extensive search using PubMed and UpToDate from 1999 to 2016.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved self-management will increase compliance, promote patient quality-of-life, advance clinical outcomes, reduce hospital re-admission and will decrease hospitalization costs.
a Foothills Hospital, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta , 1403, 29 Street N.W., Calgary , AB T2N 2T9 , Canada.
Mehnosh
M
Toback
a Foothills Hospital, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta , 1403, 29 Street N.W., Calgary , AB T2N 2T9 , Canada.
Nancy
N
Clark
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care
disease management; heart failure; nursing; patient readmission; self-care