Evaluation of a heart failure self-management programme

Background: Supported self-care has the potential to improve quality of life (QoL) for people with heart failure (HF), while reducing dependency on acute care to manage exacerbation. Methods: A series of HF self-management programmes (HF-SMP) were evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. Information was collected on QoL, ability to self-care and self-efficacy using validated questionnaires; patient experience was gathered via testimonials. Results: Twenty-eight patients attended four HF-SMPs. The evaluation found improvement in disease-specific QoL and ability to self-care at 3 months post the programme. However, there was less progress in general QoL and self-efficacy. The testimonials emphasised the positive social benefits of the HF-SMPs. Differences in profile at baseline and outcomes were noted for HF patients depending on whether they were newly-diagnosed or had long-standing HF. Conclusion: HF-SMPs can improve QoL and have value in terms of peer support for people living with HF. The findings have generated recommendations for further research to assess effectiveness and impact on health service usage.