Patient self-management interventions in chronic heart failure have yet to demonstrate morbidity or mortality benefits, though social network and e-health approaches may optimize future programs.
Social network approaches combined with e-health platforms may offer a means to optimize self-management programs for patients with chronic heart failure.
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a progressive and debilitating disease with a broad symptom profile, intermittently marked by periods of acute decompensation. CHF patients are encouraged to self-manage their illness, such as adhering to medical regimens and monitoring symptoms, to optimise health outcomes and quality of life. In so doing, patients are asked to collaborate with their health service providers with regard to their care. However, patients generally do not self-manage well, even with specialist support. Moreover, self-management interventions are yet to demonstrate morbidity or mortality benefits. Social network approaches to self-management consider the availability and mobilisation of all resources, beyond those of only the patient and healthcare providers. Used in conjunction with e-health platforms, social network approaches may offer a means by which to optimise self-management programmes of the future.
Toukhsati et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Chronic heart failure. Patient self-management was evaluated. Patient self-management interventions in chronic heart failure have yet to demonstrate morbidity or mortality benefits, though social network and e-health approaches may optimize future programs.