ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3335-904X
Current Organisation
Monash University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13544
Abstract: The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart-FaST) via: (1) examination of internal construct validity (2) testing of scale function in accordance with design and (3) recommendation for change/s, if items are not well adjusted, to improve psychometric credential. Self-care is vital to the management of heart failure. The Heart-FaST may provide a prospective assessment of risk, regarding the likelihood that patients with heart failure will engage in self-care. Psychometric validation of the Heart-FaST using Rasch analysis. The Heart-FaST was administered to 135 patients (median age = 68, IQR = 59-78 years 105 males) enrolled in a multidisciplinary heart failure management program. The Heart-FaST is a nurse-administered tool for screening patients with HF at risk of poor self-care. A Rasch analysis of responses was conducted which tested data against Rasch model expectations, including whether items serve as unbiased, non-redundant indicators of risk and measure a single construct and that rating scales operate as intended. The results showed that data met Rasch model expectations after rescoring or deleting items due to poor discrimination, disordered thresholds, differential item functioning, or response dependence. There was no evidence of multidimensionality which supports the use of total scores from Heart-FaST as indicators of risk. Aggregate scores from this modified screening tool rank heart failure patients according to their "risk of poor self-care" demonstrating that the Heart-FaST items constitute a meaningful scale to identify heart failure patients at risk of poor engagement in heart failure self-care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.13124
Abstract: To examine carers' views on patient self-care in chronic heart failure (CHF). Self-care, a key strategy in the long-term management of CHF, can be complex and difficult to master. Carers play a key role in supporting patients in self-care, yet their views on it are rarely sought. A qualitative approach was adopted with a purposeful s le of carers of patients with CHF residing in Australia. Carers who identified themselves as providing informal care to a person diagnosed with chronic heart failure were interviewed about their views on patient self-care. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews was undertaken by two nurses and one psychologist. Four key themes were identified pertaining to CHF patient self-care: hindrance to engagement roles and relationships social support and community engagement and competency. Most carers viewed patients' fatigue and inactivity, mood and coping, and memory loss as major challenges to engagement in self-care. They viewed emotional support and encouragement, independence and organised routines as important aspects of their relationship with the patient and as facilitators of self-care, but also required for themselves support from their families, communities and healthcare professionals. They also viewed patient and carer experience and knowledge as being essential to successful self-care. Carers viewed self-care as an important issue for patients with CHF and indicated that they could play an enhanced role with the provision of better support and knowledge from their families, communities and health care professionals. Carers are closely involved in supporting patients in CHF self-care, even though their views are rarely considered in the organisation and delivery of heart failure management programmes. Therefore, their important contribution should be acknowledged and supported in contemporary heart failure health services.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-11-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S40814-022-01197-8
Abstract: Evidence for digital health programmes to support people living with stroke is growing. We assessed the feasibility of a protocol and procedures for the Re covery-focused C ommunity support to A void readmissions and improve P articipation after S troke (ReCAPS) trial. We conducted a mixed-method feasibility study. Participants with acute stroke were recruited from three hospitals (Melbourne, Australia). Eligibility: Adults with stroke discharged from hospital to home within 10 days, modified Rankin Score 0–4 and prior use of Short Message System (SMS)/email. While in hospital, recruited participants contributed to structured person-centred goal setting and completed baseline surveys including self-management skills and health-related quality of life. Participants were randomised 7–14 days after discharge via REDCap® (1:1 allocation). Following randomisation, the intervention group received a 12-week programme of personalised electronic support messages (average 66 messages sent by SMS or email) aligned with their goals. The control group received six electronic administrative messages. Feasibility outcomes included the following: number of patients screened and recruited, study retainment, completion of outcome measures and acceptability of the ReCAPS intervention and trial procedures (e.g. participant satisfaction survey, clinician interviews). Protocol fidelity outcomes included number of goals developed (and quality), electronic messages delivered, stop messages received and engagement with messages. We undertook inductive thematic analysis of interview/open-text survey data and descriptive analysis of closed survey questions. Between November 2018 and October 2019, 312 patients were screened 37/105 (35%) eligible patients provided consent (mean age 61 years 32% female) 33 were randomised (17 to intervention). Overall, 29 (88%) participants completed the12-week outcome assessments with 12 (41%) completed assessments in the allocated timeframe and 16 also completing the satisfaction survey (intervention=10). Overall, trial participants felt that the study was worthwhile and most would recommend it to others. Six clinicians participated in one of three focus group interviews while they reported that the trial and the process of goal setting were acceptable, they raised concerns regarding the additional time required to personalise goals. The study protocol and procedures were feasible with acceptable retention of participants. Consent and goal personalisation procedures should be centralised for the phase III trial to reduce the burden on hospital clinicians. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618001468213 (date 31/08/2018) Universal Trial Number: U1111-1206-7237
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-01-2022
Abstract: It is recommended that patients and clinicians discuss end-of-life deactivation of their implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) prior to device implantation and throughout the illness trajectory to facilitate shared decision-making. However, such discussions rarely occur, and little is known about patients’ openness to this discussion. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with patients’ openness to discussing end-of-life ICD deactivation with clinicians. This cross-sectional study recruited 293 patients with an ICD from outpatient clinics in the USA, Australia, and South Korea. Patients were classified into an open or resistant group based on their desire to discuss device deactivation at end of life with clinicians. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors related to patients’ openness to this discussion. About half of the participants (57.7%) were open to discussing such issues with their clinicians. Factors related to patients’ openness to discussing device deactivation at end of life were living with someone, not having severe comorbid conditions (cancer and/or chronic kidney disease), greater ICD knowledge, and more experience discussing end-of-life issues with clinicians (odds ratio: 0.479, 0.382, 1.172, 1.332, respectively). Approximately half of the ICD recipients were reluctant to discuss device deactivation at end of life with clinicians. Unmodifiable factors were their living arrangement and severe comorbidity. ICD knowledge and prior experience discussing end-of-life issues were potentially modifiable factors in the future. These factors should be addressed when assessing patients’ readiness for a shared discussion about device deactivation at end of life.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2012.07.050
Abstract: Heart failure self-care is vital to achieving clinical stability and improved health outcomes. Yet despite the attention it has been given, in both research and clinical practice, effective self-care remains elusive. It is recognised that there are many patient factors that impact on attaining effective self-care skills. Systematic research is warranted to resolve the knowledge gap of how patients process information and develop the necessary self-care skills. In addition, sound screening tools are needed to assess factors that hinder the development of effective heart failure self-care skills. In this manner, education and support strategies can be applied on an in idualised needs basis to enhance health outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-08-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HEX.13584
Abstract: Despite digital health tools being popular for supporting self‐management of chronic diseases, little research has been undertaken on stroke. We developed and pilot tested, using a randomized controlled design, a multicomponent digital health programme, known as Inspiring Virtual Enabled Resources following Vascular Events (iVERVE), to improve self‐management after stroke. The 4‐week trial incorporated facilitated person‐centred goal setting, with those in the intervention group receiving electronic messages aligned to their goals, versus limited administrative messages for the control group. In this paper, we describe the participant experience of the various components involved with the iVERVE trial. Mixed method design: satisfaction surveys (control and intervention) and a focus group interview (purposively selected intervention participants). Experiences relating to goal setting and overall trial satisfaction were obtained from intervention and control participants, with feedback on the electronic message component from intervention participants. Inductive thematic analysis was used for interview data and open‐text responses, and closed questions were summarized descriptively. Triangulation of data allowed participants' perceptions to be explored in depth. Overall, 27/54 trial participants completed the survey (13 intervention: 52% 14 control: 48%) and 5/8 invited participants in the intervention group attended the focus group. Goal setting : The approach was considered comprehensive, with the involvement of health professionals in the process helpful in developing realistic, meaningful and person‐centred goals. Electronic messages (intervention) : Messages were perceived as easy to understand (92%), and the frequency of receipt was considered appropriate (11/13 survey 4/5 focus group). The content of messages was considered motivational (62%) and assisted participants to achieve their goals (77%). Some participants described the benefits of receiving messages as a ‘reminder’ to act. Overall trial satisfaction : Messages were acceptable for educating about stroke (77%). Having options for short message services or email to receive messages was considered important. Feedback on the length of the intervention related to specific goals, and benefits of receiving the programme earlier after stroke was expressed. The participant experience has indicated acceptance and utility of iVERVE. Feedback from this evaluation is invaluable to inform refinements to future Phase II and III trials, and wider research in the field. Two consumer representatives sourced from the Stroke Foundation (Australia) actively contributed to the design of the iVERVE programme. In this study, participant experiences directly contributed to the further development of the iVERVE intervention and future trial design.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 30-10-2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-08-2014
Abstract: Screening for self-care capacity is advocated before applying educational strategies. No screening tool has been specifically developed to assess barriers that impede engagement in self-care in people with heart failure. Earlier conceptual work (InCOGNITO) identified NYHA class, mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms as barriers that impede engagement in HF self-care. Study aims were: 1) to develop the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart-FaST) as a means of assessing three critical barriers to self-care 2) to assess the content validity of the Heart-FaST and 3) to test the feasibility of implementing the Heart-FaST in clinical practice. The Heart-FaST was developed from barriers identified in previous research (InCOGNITO) and from expert panel consensus. Content validity was assessed by examining the proportion of experts who scored each item as relevant. The InCOGNITO study indicated that four cognitive tasks, seven emotional questions and NYHA functional class were significantly correlated with the self-care scales: maintenance, management and confidence. These factors were used to create the Heart-FaST items. Consensus on wording and items to be included in the Heart-FaST was reached after two rounds of panel discussion. All items had an item-level content validity index ≥ 0.78. High scores on each barrier (physical, cognitive and emotional functioning) suggest poor self-care and the need for more intensive disease management efforts. The Heart-FaST measures three critical barriers that impede engagement in self-care. In clinical practice this tool may assist in in idually tailoring educational and support strategies to promote effective heart failure self-care.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2002
DOI: 10.1097/00002060-200208000-00011
Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea can be diagnosed in approximately 60% of stroke survivors in the postacute period and has been found to be associated with increased mortality and a worse functional outcome at 3 and 12 mo after discharge. In this study, 38 patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke underwent sleep studies by using the AutoSet Portable II Plus device obstructive sleep apnea was found in 18 of the patients, and five consecutively diagnosed patients were treated on the ward with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. The research has shown that it is feasible to routinely implement a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to sleep apnea on the rehabilitation ward, which is hoped to have a positive influence on mortality, functional outcome, and secondary prevention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.HRTLNG.2008.11.004
Abstract: Self-care is a key component in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF). Yet there are many barriers that interfere with a patient's ability to undertake self-care. The primary aim of the study was to test a conceptual model of determinants of CHF self-care. Specifically, we hypothesized that cognitive function and depressive symptoms would predict CHF self-care. Fifty consecutive patients hospitalized with CHF were assessed for self-care (Self-Care of Heart Failure Index), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Exam), and depressive symptoms (Cardiac Depression Scale) during their index hospital admission. Other factors thought to influence self-care were tested in the model: age, gender, social isolation, self-care confidence, and comorbid illnesses. Multiple regression was used to test the model and to identify significant in idual determinants of self-care maintenance and management. The model of 7 variables explained 39% (F [7, 42] 3.80 P = .003) of the variance in self-care maintenance and 38% (F [7, 42] 3.73 P = .003) of the variance in self-care management. Only 2 variables contributed significantly to the variance in self-care maintenance: age (P < .01) and moderate-to-severe comorbidity (P < .05). Four variables contributed significantly to the variance in self-care management: gender (P < .05), moderate-to-severe comorbidity (P < .05), depression (P < .05), and self-care confidence (P < .01). When cognitive function was removed from the models, the model explained less of the variance in self-care maintenance (35%) (F [6, 43] 3.91 P = .003) and management (34%) (F [6, 43] 3.71 P = .005). Although cognitive function added to the model in predicting both self-care maintenance and management, it was not a significant predictor of CHF self-care compared with other modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. Depression explained only self-care management.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.AUCC.2018.08.005
Abstract: Perceived control is strongly associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with chronic conditions, and it is possible to increase perceived control with appropriate intervention. Little is known about the relationship between perceived control and HRQOL in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. To determine the relationship of perceived control with quality of life in ICD recipients and to determine predictors of perceived control in this population. A total of 263 ICD recipients (63% male, age 61 ± 14 years) completed the Control Attitude Scale-Revised to measure perceived control and completed self-reported measures on potential correlates of perceived control (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support, and ICD concerns). The EuroQol-5D was used to measure HRQOL. Regression analysis was used to determine predictors of perceived control and its relationship to HRQOL, controlling for covariates. Lower perceived control (β = 0.30, p < .01), and higher levels of depression (β = -0.30, p < .01) and anxiety (β = -0.18, p < .05) predicted lower levels of HRQOL. Higher anxiety (β = -0.17, p < .05), higher depression (β = -0.23, p < .05), lower social support (β = 0.26, p < .01), and higher ICD-related concerns (β = -0.16, p < .05) independently predicted lower perceived control. Interventions targeting patients' ICD concerns and psychosocial factors before, and continuing after, ICD insertion are needed to improve ICD recipients' perceived control and, in turn, their HRQOL.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCNURSE.2011.04.005
Abstract: Routine screening and assessment for depression occurs rarely in clinical practice for a variety of reasons, including the absence of systems to facilitate the process. To identify nurses' knowledge and practice regarding depression screening and referral for cardiac patients following the implementation of education workshops and a validated screening tool with referral actions. Pre and post-test design using surveys and semi-structured interviews was conducted with a purposive s le of nurses in a large Australian metropolitan tertiary referral hospital. Prior to the introduction of the screening and referral tool, nurses engaged in an interactive one hour education workshop on the topic of depression and the tool introduced to improve depression screening following an acute cardiac event. In the pre and post-survey 40 and 30 nurses, respectively, participated with 14 also engaging in semi-structured interviews. Eighty percent reported a 'good' understanding of depression post-program compared to 30% at baseline. Sixty percent reported routinely using the depression screening and referral tool. The interviews identified three main themes that supported the utility of the education and instrument: knowledge improvement perceived self-efficacy and new knowledge into practice. The vast majority of participants reported increased skill, knowledge and confidence to screen and refer for depression post an acute cardiac event. The substantial increase in the number of nurses who engaged in screening and referral actions further demonstrated the success of the program. These encouraging results provide evidence that screening for depression can be achieved through adopting formalised processes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2015.10.009
Abstract: To systematically review evidence for the efficacy of family-based education for heart failure (HF) patients and carers. A systematic review was conducted. Databases CINAHL, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched between 1 January 2005 and 1 May 2015. Randomised controlled trials included HF patient and carer dyads or carers alone. The primary outcome was HF knowledge. Secondary outcomes included self-care behaviour, dietary and treatment adherence, quality of life, depression, perceived control, hospital readmissions, and carer burden. Six trials reported in nine papers were included. Wide variation in the quality of the studies was found. Two studies only examined HF knowledge a significant improvement among patients and carers was reported. Other significant findings were enhanced patient self-care, boosted dietary and treatment adherence, enriched patient quality of life, improved perceived control among patients but not carers, and reduced carer burden Modest evidence was found for family-based education among HF patients and carers. Methodological shortcomings of trials signify the need for empirically sound future research. Family-based HF education needs to include strategies that are tailored to the HF patient and carer, and sustainable in nature.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-12-2014
DOI: 10.1002/EJHF.12
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-07-2017
Abstract: Depression is common among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and has a major impact on their quality of life, morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to map the 12-month psychosocial outcomes of patients with CHD who were screened positive for depression in an acute cardiac ward. A prospective cohort study was conducted of the psychosocial trajectory (depression, anxiety, wellbeing, social support, mental health service access) of 212 patients with CHD who were screened for depression after being admitted to acute cardiac wards of a major metropolitan hospital. Outcomes were assessed before hospital discharge and at one, three, six and 12 months post-discharge. Linear mixed models identified that those patients screened at 'moderate to high' risk of depression at baseline had higher levels of depression ( F(1,173)=53.93, p<0.0001) and anxiety ( F(1,180)=67.01, p<0.001), and lower levels of wellbeing ( F(1,186)=42.47, p<0.001) and social support ( F(1,177)=25.40, p<0.0001), compared to those at 'no to low' risk of depression. Levels of depression and wellbeing remained fairly constant over the 12-month trajectory. Surgical and medical treatment groups were of similar psychological composition over the 12-month period. These findings attest to the effectiveness and predictive validity of a simple nurse-administered screening tool designed to identify depression in hospital patients with CHD and also indicate that a screening and referral tool alone is not sufficient to achieve optimal disease management. A collaborative care model involving family members and integrated pathways to primary care is recommended.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.13836
Abstract: To examine whether chronic heart failure patient-carer dyads who disagree about the ision of illness management tasks (incongruent) experience poorer psychosocial health and self-care, than those who agree (congruent). Informal carers often assist patients with chronic heart failure in the complex management of their illness, but little is known about how relationship dynamics may affect psychosocial health. A prospective cross-sectional study was adopted with a purposeful s le of 25 chronic heart failure patient-carer dyads residing in Australia. Data were collected via mail-out questionnaires. Dyads were classified as congruent or incongruent using the Heart Failure Care Assessment Scale. Depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life were assessed in patients and carers. Additionally, self-care and relationship quality were assessed in patients and burden and esteem were assessed in carers. Differences in congruent and incongruent patient and carer outcomes were examined. Dyads were predominantly spousal and around a third demonstrated incongruence. No significant differences were found between congruent (n = 16) and incongruent (n = 9) dyads, although patients in incongruent dyads tended to have been diagnosed more recently. In chronic heart failure patient-carer dyads incongruence exists even for patients with relatively mild chronic heart failure symptoms. These findings indicate that dyadic incongruence in illness management might not affect high-functioning chronic heart failure heart failure patients or their carers. Given the prevalence of dyadic incongruence and the possibility of further negative outcomes with disease progression, it is important to examine factors such as length of time since diagnosis or type of carer relationship. By implementing self-care education and management strategies that focus on the dyad, rather than the in idual, nurses have the potential to improve both patient and carer outcomes.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-12-2022
DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2020.1867317
Abstract: Cognitive deficits are common in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), but little attention has been given to the investigation of prospective memory (PM) - the ability to execute delayed intentions. Importantly, many aspects of PM are crucial for patient implementation of HF self-care behaviours. Here we provide a replication of our original work involving PM in patients with HF. We compared a group of 51 HF patients to 41 closely matched controls. The primary outcome measure was a laboratory test of PM, Virtual week, which closely simulates PM tasks in daily life. A series of background cognitive tests were also administered. Consistent with our previous work, the HF group had significant PM impairment compared to controls, and these difficulties were generalised across different types of PM tasks. Surprisingly, we did not find any differences in the background cognitive tasks between groups. Compared to controls, the HF group had significant and similar sized deficits on all task parameters assessed (event, time, regular, irregular) of PM function, which likely impacts engagement in HF self-care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11897-017-0317-0
Abstract: The purpose of this review was to examine the recent literature on detecting cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure (HF) and the evidence indicating any ramifications of cognitive impairment on patient engagement in HF self-care. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in HF and impacts on patients' engagement in self-care, yet it is frequently not detected. The use of screening tools, even when brief, improves detection of MCI. However, the most sensitive, specific and feasible screening measure to use in practice is yet to be identified. A full neuropsychological assessment is required to determine a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and to identify the specific areas of cognitive deficit. In patients with HF, there appears to be differing clusters of cognitive deficits. Identification of these deficits may help inform the application of specific cognitive training strategies to ameliorating cognitive changes in HF patients and potentially enhance engagement in self-care. Screening for cognitive impairment is crucial in the management of HF patients to ensure that potential self-care deficits are prevented. The optimal screening tool is yet to be identified.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.5694/MJA14.00032
Abstract: The National Heart Foundation of Australia assembled an expert panel to provide guidance on policy and system changes to improve the quality of care for people with chronic heart failure (CHF). The recommendations have the potential to reduce emergency presentations, hospitalisations and premature death among patients with CHF. Best-practice management of CHF involves evidence-based, multidisciplinary, patient-centred care, which leads to better health outcomes. A CHF care model is required to achieve this. Although CHF management programs exist, ensuring access for everyone remains a challenge. This is particularly so for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from non-metropolitan areas and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and culturally and linguistically erse populations. Lack of data and inadequate identification of people with CHF prevents efficient patient monitoring, limiting information to improve or optimise care. This leads to ineffectiveness in measuring outcomes and evaluating the CHF care provided. Expanding current cardiac registries to include patients with CHF and developing mechanisms to promote data linkage across care transitions are essential. As the prevalence of CHF rises, the demand for multidisciplinary workforce support will increase. Workforce planning should provide access to services outside of large cities, one of the main challenges it is currently facing. To enhance community-based management of CHF, general practitioners should be empowered to lead care. Incentive arrangements should favour provision of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas, and culturally and linguistically erse populations. Ongoing research is vital to improving systems of care for people with CHF. Future research activity needs to ensure the translation of valuable knowledge and high-quality evidence into practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2013.02.017
Abstract: Clinicians worldwide seek to educate and support heart failure patients to engage in self-care. We aimed to describe self-care behaviors of patients from 15 countries across three continents. Data on self-care were pooled from 5964 heart failure patients from the United States, Europe, Australasia and South America. Data on self-care were collected with the Self-care of Heart Failure Index or the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale. In all the s les, most patients reported taking their medications as prescribed but exercise and weight monitoring were low. In 14 of the 22 s les, more than 50% of the patients reported low exercise levels. In 16 s les, less than half of the patients weighed themselves regularly, with large differences among the countries. Self-care with regard to receiving an annual flu shot and following a low sodium diet varied most across the countries. Self-care behaviors are sub-optimal in heart failure patients and need to be improved worldwide. Interventions that focus on specific self-care behaviors may be more effective than general educational programs. Changes in some health care systems and national policies are needed to support patients with heart failure to increase their self-care behavior.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-04-2010
Abstract: Cognitive impairment occurs often in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and may contribute to sub-optimal self-care. This study aimed to test the impact of cognitive impairment on self-care. In 93 consecutive patients hospitalized with CHF, self-care (Self-Care of Heart Failure Index) was assessed. Multiple regression analysis was used to test a model of variables hypothesized to predict self-care maintenance, management, and confidence. Variables in the model were mild cognitive impairment (MCI Mini-Mental State Exam and Montreal Cognitive Assessment), depressive symptoms (Cardiac Depression Scale), age, gender, social isolation, education level, new diagnosis, and co-morbid illnesses. Sixty-eight patients (75%) were coded as having MCI and had significantly lower self-care management (eta(2)= 0.07, P < 0.01) and self-confidence scores (eta(2)= 0.05, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, MCI, co-morbidity index, and NYHA class III or IV explained 20% of the variance in self-care management (P < 0.01) MCI made the largest contribution explaining 9% of the variance. Increasing age and symptoms of depression explained 13% of the variance in self-care confidence scores (P < 0.01). Cognitive impairment, a hidden co-morbidity, may impede patients' ability to make appropriate self-care decisions. Screening for MCI may alert health professionals to those at greater risk of failed self-care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARDFAIL.2013.08.001
Abstract: Cognitive impairments are prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients, worsening outcomes but often undetected.The aim of this study was to screen HF outpatients for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), determine the areas of cognition affected, patient awareness of cognitive change, and associated factors. HF patients (n = 128) newly registered for the Management of Cardiac Function program, free from neurocognitive disorder, and with sufficient visual acuity were assessed with the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA). MCI was classified as MoCA score ≤22. The s le was elderly (mean, 80.65 years SD, 11.52). Mean MoCA score was 24.58 (SD 3.45), 22% were classified as impaired, 45% had noticed a change in cognition, and 15% reported that they were affected in their daily lives. Patients noticing this impact had lower MoCA scores (22.74, SD 3.0) than those who did not (25.17, SD 2.96 P ≤ .02). Most impairments occurred for delayed recall, visuospatial/executive function, and abstraction. The odds of impairment increased by the presence of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio, 4.18 95% confidence interval, 1.15-15.69). In HF outpatients without a dementia diagnosis, MCI is prevalent. Screening for MCI and incorporation of compensatory strategies are essential.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.HRTLNG.2019.04.006
Abstract: Recent guidelines highlight the need for clinician-patient discussions regarding end-of-life (EOL) choices prior to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Health literacy could affect the quality and quantity of such discussions. Our objective was to determine the association of health literacy with experiences, attitudes, and knowledge of the ICD at EOL. In this cross-sectional study, we used validated instruments to measure health literacy and patient experiences, attitudes, and knowledge of the ICD at EOL. Of the 240 ICD recipients, 76% of participants reported never having discussed the implications of a future withdrawal of defibrillation therapy with their healthcare provider. Increased odds of choosing to maintain defibrillation therapy were associated with female gender and lower ICD knowledge. From patients' perspectives, EOL discussions with providers were minimal. Most patients hold misperceptions about ICD function that could interfere with optimal EOL care, particularly for those with inadequate health literacy.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCNURSE.2009.10.004
Abstract: There are many reasons to explain why achievement of optimal self-care can be difficult for many patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). To investigate differences in self-care skills between patients with and without experience of CHF symptoms. On the basis of a confirmed diagnosis and treatment for CHF 2 months, patients were prospectively designated as "novices" or "experienced". Administration of the Self-Care Heart Failure Index assessed 3 self-care skills: maintenance, management and confidence. A score >70% in each scale is considered adequate self care. Hierarchal regression models were built to test three hypotheses. In 143 elderly patients hospitalised with CHF, novices had lower self-care maintenance (63+/-16 vs. 71+/-14, p=0.05) and self-care management scores (48+/-17 vs. 58+/-19, p=0.003) than experienced patients. Novices were less likely to have adequate self-care maintenance (OR, 0.73 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9, LR<0.02) and management (OR, 0.3 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8, p=0.02). Patients experienced with CHF had similar confidence levels (66+/-17 vs. 64+/-17, p=0.40) to novices. Level of experience is a determinant of self-care skills suggesting this factor should be considered in determining an in idual education plan.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJHEART.2005.11.013
Abstract: Cognitive impairment is common among chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. To determine the prognostic significance of cognitive impairment in patients participating in a randomized study of a CHF management program (CHF-MP). CHF patients were randomized to a CHF-MP (n=100) or usual care (n=100). Baseline cognition was assessed using the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Five-year all-cause mortality, and combined death-or-readmission, were compared on the basis of the presence (MMSE 19-26) or absence (MMSE >26) of cognitive impairment. 27 patients (13.5%) had cognitive impairment and, on an adjusted basis, were more likely to die (96.3% versus 68.2%. RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.39: P<0.001) and/or experience an unplanned hospitalization (100% versus 94%. RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.95: P=0.019). Cognitively impaired patients had a similar (non-significant) adjusted risk of death-or-readmission in both the CHF-MP (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.63 to 3.11: P=0.403) and in usual care (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.53: P=0.305). In the usual care cohort, cognitive impairment was associated with a greater (non-significant), adjusted risk of death (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.92: P=0.122). In the CHF-MP, adjusted risk of death was significantly higher for cognitively impaired patients (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.92: P=0.027). These data suggest that "mild" cognitive impairment is of prognostic importance in CHF: even when a CHF-MP has been applied.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2017
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 02-08-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1830067/V1
Abstract: Background: Evidence for digital health programs to support people living with stroke is limited. We assessed the feasibility of a protocol and procedures for the Re covery-focused C ommunity support to A void readmissions and improve P articipation after S troke (ReCAPS) intervention. Method: We conducted a mixed-method feasibility study. Participants with acute stroke were recruited from three hospitals (Melbourne, Australia). Eligibility: Adults discharged home within 10 days of hospital admission, modified Rankin Score 0-4, and prior use of Short Message System (SMS) or email. While in hospital participants contributed to structured person-centred goal setting with clinicians, provided responses to surveys including assessment of self-management skills and health-related quality of life. Participants were randomised 7-14 days after discharge via REDCap® (1:1 allocation). Following randomisation, the intervention group received a 12-week program of personalised electronic support messages (average 66 messages sent by SMS or email) aligned to their goals. The control group received six electronic administrative messages. Feasibility outcomes included: number of patients screened and recruited, study retainment, completion of outcome measures, number of electronic messages delivered, and acceptability of the ReCAPS intervention and trial procedures (participant satisfaction survey, clinician interviews and researcher communications). We undertook inductive thematic analysis of interview/open-text survey data, and descriptive analysis of closed survey questions. Results: Between November 2018 and October 2019, 312 patients were screened 37/105 (35%) eligible patients provided consent (mean age 61 years 32% female) 33 were randomised (17 to intervention). Outcome assessments at 12-weeks were completed by 88% of participants with 16 also completing the satisfaction survey (intervention=10). Overall, trial participants felt that the study was worthwhile and most would recommend it to others. Six clinicians participated in one of three focus group interviews while they reported that the trial and the process of goal setting acceptable, they raised concerns regarding the additional time required to personalise goals. Conclusion: The study protocol and procedures were feasible with acceptable retention of participants. Consent and goal personalisation procedures should be centralised for the Phase III trial to reduce the burden on hospital clinicians. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618001468213 (Date 31/08/2018) Universal Trial Number: U1111-1206-7237
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S1355617715000119
Abstract: Although cognitive deficits are common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), no study to date has investigated whether these deficits extend to the capacity to execute delayed intentions (prospective memory, PM). This is a surprising omission given the critical role PM plays in correctly implementing many important CHF self-care behaviors. The present study aimed to provide the first empirical assessment of PM function in people with CHF. The key dependent measure was a laboratory measure of PM that closely simulates PM tasks in daily life – Virtual Week. A group comparison design was used, with 30 CHF patients compared to 30 demographically matched controls. Background measures assessing executive functions, working memory, and verbal memory were also administered. The CHF group exhibited significant PM impairment, with difficulties generalizing across different types of PM tasks (event, time, regular, irregular). The CHF group also had moderate deficits on several of the background cognitive measures. Given the level of impairment remained consistent even on tasks that imposed minimal demands on memory for task content, CHF-related difficulties most likely reflects problems with the prospective component. However, exploratory analyses suggest that difficulties with retrospective memory and global cognition (but not executive control), also contribute to the PM difficulties seen in this group. The implications of these data are discussed, and in particular, it is argued that problems with PM may help explain why patient engagement in CHF self-care behaviors is often poor. ( JINS , 2015, 21 , 1–10)
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-08-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13192
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate a heart failure education programme developed for patients and carers in Thailand. Heart failure is major health problem. This is the first trial of a family-based education programme for heart failure patients and carers residing in rural Thailand. Randomized controlled trial. One hundred patient-carer dyads attending cardiac clinics in southern Thailand from April 2014 - March 2015 were randomized to usual care (n = 50) or a family-based education programme (n = 50) comprising face-to-face counselling, a heart failure manual and DVD and telephone support. Assessments of heart failure knowledge, health-related quality of life, self-care behaviours and perceived control were conducted at baseline, three and six months. Linear mixed-effects model revealed that patients and carers who received the education programme had higher knowledge scores at three and six months than those who received usual care. Among those who received the education programme, when compared with those who received usual care, patients had better self-care maintenance and confidence, and health-related quality of life scores at three and six months, and better self-care management scores at six months, whereas carers had higher perceived control scores at three months. Addressing a significant service gap in rural Thailand, this family-based heart failure programme improved patient knowledge, self-care behaviours and health-related quality of life and carer knowledge and perceived control.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/BCP.15391
Abstract: Although medication adherence is commonly measured in electronic datasets using the proportion of days covered (PDC), no standardized approach is used to calculate and report this measure. We conducted a scoping review to understand the approaches taken to calculate and report the PDC for cardiovascular medicines to develop improved guidance for researchers using this measure. After prespecifying methods in a registered protocol, we searched Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL Plus and grey literature (1 July 2012 to 14 December 2020) for articles containing the terms "proportion of days covered" and "cardiovascular medicine", or synonyms and subject headings. Of the 523 articles identified, 316 were reviewed in full and 76 were included (93% observational studies 47% from the USA 2 grey literature articles). In 45 articles (59%), the PDC was measured from the first dispensing/claim date. Good adherence was defined as 80% PDC in 61 articles, 56% of which contained a rationale for selecting this threshold. The following parameters, important for deriving the PDC, were often not reported/unclear: switching (53%), early refills (45%), in-hospital supplies (45%), presupply (28%) and survival (7%). Of the 46 articles where dosing information was unavailable, 59% reported how doses were imputed. To improve the transparent and systematic reporting of the PDC, we propose the TEN-SPIDERS tool, covering the following PDC parameters: Threshold, Eligibility criteria, Numerator and denominator, Survival, Presupply, In-hospital supplies, Dosing, Early Refills, and Switching. Use of this tool will standardize reporting of the PDC to facilitate reliable comparisons of medication adherence estimates between studies.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-06-2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-04-2013
Abstract: Cognitive impairments occur frequently in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), resulting in worse health outcomes than expected. These impairments can remain undetected unless specifically screened. There are limited sensitive screening measures available in nursing practice to identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To compare the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) in screening for MCI in CHF patients. The MMSE and MoCA were administered to 93 hospitalized CHF patients (70±11 years), without a history of neurocognitive problems. Patients with low MoCA scores (<26) were compared to those with low MMSE scores (<27). Two different parameters were examined between the MoCA and the MMSE: level of MCI agreement (Kappa coefficient) and task errors on assessed cognitive domains (χ2 test). Statistically more patients had low MoCA scores compared with low MMSE scores (66 vs. 30, p=0.02). The MoCA classified 38 (41%) patients as cognitively impaired that were not classified by the MMSE. A significantly low level of agreement was found (κ=0.25, p=0.001) between the MMSE and MoCA in identifying patients with scores suggestive of MCI. More task errors were observed on the MoCA cognitive domains compared with the MMSE cognitive domains. In 68% of patients with low cognitive scores, visuospatial task errors were observed on tasks from the MoCA compared with 22% on a similar task of the MMSE. The MoCA, a screening tool for MCI, identified subtle but potentially clinically relevant cognitive dysfunctions with greater frequency than MMSE.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S154581
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1547-5069.2010.01333.X
Abstract: Aging is associated with losses in hearing and vision. The objective of this study was to assess whether aging also is associated with less ability to detect and interpret afferent physiological information. A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted with 29 persons with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic heart failure of at least 6 months duration. The s le was ided at the median to compare younger ( or = 73 years) patients in the ability to detect and interpret their heart failure symptoms. Shortness of breath was stimulated using a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and used to assess the ability of heart failure patients to detect shortness of breath using the Borg measure of perceived exertion compared with gold standard ratings of each person's shortness of breath by trained registered nurse research assistants (inter-rater congruence 0.91). Accuracy of ratings by older patients was compared with those of younger patients. In-depth interviews were used to assess symptom interpretation ability. Integrated quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that older patients had more difficulty in detecting and interpreting shortness of breath than younger patients. Older patients were twice as likely as younger to report a different level of shortness of breath than that noted by the registered nurse research assistants immediately after the 6MWT. These results support our theory of an age-related decline in the ability to attend to internal physical symptoms. This decline may be a cause of poor early symptom detection. The results of this study suggest that there is a need to develop interventions that focus on the symptom experience to help patients-particularly older ones-in somatic awareness and symptom interpretation. It may be useful to explore patients' statements about how they feel: "Compared to what? How do you feel today compared to yesterday?"
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARDFAIL.2015.08.343
Abstract: Cognitive impairment occurs in up to 80% of patients with heart failure (HF). The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the Canadian Stroke Network (CSN) recommend a 5-minute cognitive screening protocol that has yet to be psychometrically evaluated in HF populations. The aim of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the NINDS-CSN brief cognitive screening protocol in HF patients. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was administered to 221 HF patients. The NINDS-CSN screen comprises 3 MoCA items, with lower scores indicating poorer cognitive function. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, determining the sensitivity, specificity and appropriate cutoff scores of the NINDS-CSN screen. In an HF population aged 76 ± 12 years, 136 (62%) were characterized with cognitive impairment (MoCA <26). Scores on the NINDS-CSN screen ranged from 3-11. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated good accuracy in screening for cognitive impairment (0.88 P < .01 95% CI 0.83-0.92). A cutoff score of ≤9 provided 89% sensitivity and 71% specificity. The NINDS-CSN protocol offers clinicians a feasible telephone method to screen for cognitive impairment in patients with HF. Future studies should include a neuropsychologic battery to more comprehensively examine the diagnostic accuracy of brief cognitive screening protocols.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-07-2017
Abstract: End-of-life implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation discussions should commence before device implantation and be ongoing, yet many implantable cardioverter defibrillators remain active in patients’ last days. To examine associations among implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge, patient characteristics and attitudes to implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation. Cross-sectional survey using the Experiences, Attitudes and Knowledge of End-of-Life Issues in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients Questionnaire. Participants were classified as insufficient or sufficient implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge and the two groups were compared. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients ( n = 270, mean age 61 ± 14 years 73% male) were recruited from cardiology and implantable cardioverter defibrillator clinics attached to two tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, and two in Kentucky, the United States. Participants with insufficient implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge ( n = 77, 29%) were significantly older (mean age 66 vs 60 years, p = 0.001), less likely to be Caucasian (77% vs 87%, p = 0.047), less likely to have received implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks (26% vs 40%, p = 0.031), and more likely to have indications of mild cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score : 44% vs 16%, p 0.001). Insufficient implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge was associated with attitudes suggesting unwillingness to discuss implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation, even during the last days towards end of life ( p 0.05). Implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients, especially those who are older or have mild cognitive impairment, often have limited knowledge about implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation. This study identified several potential teachable moments throughout the patients’ treatment trajectory. An interdisciplinary approach is required to ensure that discussions about implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation issues are initiated at appropriate time points, with family members ideally also included.
Start Date: 2019
End Date: 2022
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
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