The meaning in life for patients recently hospitalized with congestive heart failure

Purpose Quality of life (QOL) is based on individual values and is identified by what each person believes it to be. To provide patient centered care, practitioners must have an understanding of what each individual identifies as important in their lives. The purpose of this study was to identify what provides meaning to the lives of patients recently hospitalized with congestive heart failure (CHF). Data source Participants for this pilot study were a convenience sample of 32 patients hospitalized as a result of complications of CHF. Study methodology was a cross‐sectional, interview style survey, utilizing the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE). Conclusion No statistical significance was found between SMiLE scores and demographic data, including number of admissions or length of time since diagnosis. These findings suggest meaning in life (MIL), and subsequently QOL, may not be related to having a diagnosis of CHF. Implications for practice Identifying patients’ relationship with their families, through the use of the SMiLE, has the ability to guide advanced planning decision making. Knowing, and preparing for, various family dynamics before the final stages of CHF may decrease episodes of care provided in opposition to patients' wishes, whether or not their wishes were previously stated or documented.