Empowerment Analysis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Heart Failure in Hospitalization Units: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To evaluate the empowerment of patients diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and Heart Failure (HF) admitted to a Level III hospital. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study conducted over a sufficient period to collect the sample. The study population includes patients admitted to a Level III hospital in cardiology units, diagnosed with Heart Failure or Acute Coronary Syndrome. Inclusion criteria consist of diagnosis of Heart Failure or Acute Coronary Syndrome and consent to participate in the study. The main variable used is the CEPEC questionnaire (Chronic Patient Empowerment Questionnaire), in its shortened version with cross-cultural validation, developed by Dr. Garcimartín. Results: The Chronic Patient Empowerment Scale (CEPEC) was used. The data indicated a total of 81 men and 39 women, with 37 patients having HF and 84 with ACS. The age range was 50 to 55 years, with more patients below 65 years. The CEPEC scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.764. There was a significant age difference (p <0.05) between the two units under study. For each diagnosis, scale items were compared, revealing statistical differences in items P-5, P-15, and P-24. Conclusions: The scale has proven to be valid and reliable, providing indicators of poor or inadequate patient progress. These circumstances enable the development of precise actions to enhance the situation and quality of life for hospitalized patients.