Family Influences on Heart Failure Self-care and Outcomes

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Sandra B. Dunbar, Emory University; Patricia C. Clark, Emory University; Christina Quinn, Emory University; Rebecca A Gary, Emory University; Nadine Kaslow, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2008-05
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2008, © 2008 Lippincott Williams
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
• ISSN: 0889-4655
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 258
• End Page: 265
• Grant/Funding Information: This manuscript was partially supported by NINR R01 8800, A Family Partnership Intervention in Heart Failure and PHS Grant M01-RR00039, EmoryGeneral Clinical Research Center, NIH, adn NIH, NMR 732 NR009888 Symptom Management: Heart Failure patient’s and family caregivers.
• Keywords: heart failure; patient education; family support; self-care; caregiver outcomes; family functioning; self-management
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Nursing; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Many patient education guidelines for teaching heart failure patients recommend inclusion of the family; however, family-focused interventions to promote self-care in heart failure are few. This article reviews the state of the science regarding family influences on heart failure self-care and outcomes. The literature and current studies suggest that family functioning, family support, problem solving, communication, self-efficacy, and caregiver burden are important areas to target for future research. In addition, heart failure patients without family and those who live alone and are socially isolated are highly vulnerable for poor self-care and should receive focused attention. Specific research questions based on existing science and gaps that need to be filled to support clinical practice are posed.