Heart failure symptom monitoring and response training

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a heart failure (HF) training program on patients' ability to recognize and respond to changes in HF symptoms. The primary aim was to compare event-free survival at 90 days. Methods A total of 99 HF patients randomized to the HF symptom training intervention or usual care completed instruments about self-care (Self-Care of HF Index) and at baseline and 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and comorbidity data were collected by interview and chart review. Time to first event (death or a HF-related hospitalization) was tracked by electronic records and patient interview. Results The sample was predominately male (67.7%), elderly (67.7 yrs ± 12.1) and Caucasian (88.9%). The intervention group reported more events but the difference was not significantly different ( χ2 = 1.18, p = 0.26). There was no difference in survival time between groups ( χ2 = 1.53, p = 0.216). In paired t -tests, the intervention group had significantly improved self-care maintenance, management and confidence scores (all p