A scoping review of 39 publications including 24,846 patients found a significant lack of reporting on the content and structure of patient education for heart failure in the outpatient setting.
How is patient education structured and provided for the management of heart failure in the outpatient setting?
Despite guideline recommendations, there is a significant lack of reporting on the structure and content of patient education for heart failure management in the outpatient setting.
Abstract Background Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic condition the symptoms of which can pose significant difficulties to patients and profoundly affect their quality of life. Effective management relies on early recognition of symptoms by patients and adjustment of therapy in response to these symptoms and signs. Comprehensive education, typically provided by specialist nurses, plays a vital role in equipping patients with the knowledge and skills needed to manage decompensation, however there is a dearth of reporting as to how this education is structured and provided. Purpose This scoping review set out to explore what is known about the management of HF in the outpatient setting. Methods A scoping review was conducted in adherence to guidance set out by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Search terms were developed in conjunction with clinical experts and a medical librarian. Five databases were searched and a search of grey literature was conducted on Google Scholar. Thirty-nine papers were included for data extraction and analysis. Results A total of 24,846 patients were studied across 39 publications. Papers included in the review were varied in nature and comprised retrospective studies/analyses, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), pilot studies, case series and analyses of registries. Education provision was reported on in 16 studies. There was a lack of reporting on the content and structure of the education provided. Just four publications since 2016 report on the provision of education. Eleven studies reported that patients performed some kind of self-assessment – with one of these published since 2013. Six papers report on the use of telemonitoring to provide or reinforce education. Conclusions Despite the emphasis the literature places on education for those living with HF, there is a lack of reporting on this important aspect of care. While telemonitoring is commonly reported as a component of follow up for HF, the use of this medium to provide or reinforce patient education is not consistently reported upon. Education regarding assessment of symptoms and self-management strategies for patients living with HF are recommended in international guidelines but are not evident in the literature. Healthcare professionals caring for those with HF may wish to incorporate structured, guideline-based education into practice.
O'donoghue et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Heart Failure (n=24,846). Patient education was evaluated on Reporting on the content and structure of education provided. A scoping review of 39 publications including 24,846 patients found a significant lack of reporting on the content and structure of patient education for heart failure in the outpatient setting.