Key result
Lack of standardized assessment and knowledge hinders management of significant thirst burden in HF patients.
Why the study?
To explore the experience and management of thirst in patients with heart failure and the cardiovascular nurses involved in their care.
Thirst is a significant but often under-recognized burden for heart failure patients, highlighting a critical need for standardized assessment and improved management strategies.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May warrant thirst assessment in heart failure; leaves open standardized tools and interventional trials.
Aims To explore the experience and management of thirst in patients with heart failure and the cardiovascular nurses involved in their care. Methods and results This qualitative exploratory study used purposive sampling to select patients with heart failure and cardiovascular nurses. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with 12 patients with heart failure and 11 nurses. Three major themes with eleven sub-themes were identified: (1) The multidimensional burden of thirst (frequent and prolonged symptoms, physical discomfort, and emotional distress); (2) the interplay of innovative and traditional approaches (alleviation through drinking water, modifying behavioural habits, seeking help from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and utilizing various aids); and (3) barriers and needs in thirst management (thirst is perceived as minor compared to other symptoms, thirst is challenging to recognize, the need for standardized assessment, and the need for knowledge empowerment). Conclusion This qualitative study highlights the significant burden of thirst in patients with heart failure and the critical need for improved thirst management. These findings have implications for healthcare providers in developing an environment that supports effective thirst management.
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Zheng et al. (2025) studied Heart failure (n=23). Thirst experience and management was evaluated on Themes related to the experience and management of thirst. Qualitative interviews with 12 heart failure patients and 11 nurses identified 3 major themes highlighting the multidimensional burden of thirst and the critical need for improved management.
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