Individual and systems-related factors associated with heart failure self-care: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent condition worldwide. HF self-care is a set of behaviors necessary for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to review and summarize the individual and system-related factors associated with HF self-care published in the last seven years (Jan 2015 - Dec 2021) using the Socioecological Model as a review framework. METHODS: An experienced nursing librarian assisted authors in literature searches of CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Ovid Nursing, PsychINFO, and PubMed databases for peer-reviewed descriptive studies. Inclusion criteria were HF sample with self-care as the outcome variable, and a quantitative descriptive design describing individual and/or system-level factors associated with self-care. Exclusion criteria were interventional or qualitative studies, reviews, published before 2015, non-English, and only one self-care behavior as the outcome variable. The search yielded 1,649 articles. Duplicates were removed, 710 articles were screened, and 90 were included in the full-text review. RESULTS: A subset of 52 articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was evaluated using modified STROBE criteria. Study findings were quantitated and displayed based on socioecological levels. Self-care confidence, HF knowledge, education level, health literacy, social support, age, depressive symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction were the most frequently cited variables associated with self-care. Most factors measured were at the individual level of the Socioecological Model. There were some factors measured at the microsystem level and none measured at the exosystem or macrosystem level. CONCLUSION: Researchers need to balance the investigation of individual behaviors that are associated with HF self-care with system-level factors that may be associated with self-care to better address health disparities and inequity.

Predictors of patient self-advocacy among patients with chronic heart failure.

The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of self-advocacy among patients with chronic heart failure (HF) as they were unknown. A convenience sample of 80 participants recruited from one Midwestern HF clinic completed surveys related to relationship-based predictors of patient self-advocacy including trust in nurses and social support. Self-advocacy is operationalized using the three dimensions of HF knowledge, assertiveness, and intentional non-adherence. Hierarchical multiple regression was used showing that trust in nurses predicted HF knowledge (ΔR2 = 0.070, F = 5.91, p < .05), social support predicted advocacy assertiveness (ΔR2 = 0.068, F = 5.67, p < .05), and ethnicity predicted overall self-advocacy (ΔR2 = 0.059, F = 4.89, p < .05). These findings suggest that support from family and friends can give the patient the needed encouragement to advocate for what they need. A trusting relationship with nurses impacts patient education so that patients not only understand their illness and its trajectory but also use that understanding to speak up for themselves. African American patients, who are less likely to self-advocate than their White counterparts, could benefit from nurses recognizing the impact of implicit bias so that these patients do not feel silenced in their care.

The work of managing a chronic illness: A job description.

RATIONALE: Self-management of a chronic illness is a struggle for many patients. There is substantial evidence that patients are not as successful as they and their providers would like. Considering patient self-management through an innovative and diverse lens could help patients, providers and the health care system to consider novel changes to improve success. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To provide a complete view of patient work by utilizing the human resources management practice of job analysis to develop an initial job description for patients suffering from chronic illness. METHODS: Study design was descriptive qualitative with analysis aiming to identify those reoccurring ideas from the data. Thirty patients, with at least one chronic illness, in three focus groups were assembled for this study. Verbatim recordings and notes were used to categorize the data provided. Five coders analyzed the data independently, and jointly met to discuss the themes identified. Demographic data was collected via surveys. RESULTS: Patients with chronic illness engage in five primary 'job' duties including self-care (actions taken to effectively manage physical and psychological symptoms), managing relationships (effective management of relationships with employers, family, friends and providers to ensure the best outcomes), managing resources (understanding and managing finances, health and prescription medication insurance), coordination (managing and scheduling visits to providers) and research/education (gathering information and conducting research relative to all aspects of managing one's illness). Relevant knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) and other resources were identified that are necessary for patients to effectively perform the five job duties. CONCLUSIONS: Creating a job description for the 'job' of patient is a crucial step in understanding the work chronically ill patients undertake. Knowing the duties, their associated tasks and KSAs, and resources required to perform those tasks enables patients and their providers and advocates to better identify ways to assist, relieve and encourage these patients in order to maximize patient success.

Using Video Technology to Educate Students, Patients, and Legislators.

BACKGROUND: Student engagement is enhanced with applied learning opportunities. This study describes the experience of nurse educator students using video technology for teaching and advocacy. METHOD: Convergent mixed-methods combining narrative reflections with usability scores were used to describe the values and challenges of the applied learning experience. RESULTS: Preassignment, participants focused on the value and challenges of using video technology. Postassignment, participants concentrated on the value and challenges of practicing presentation skills. Overall value of the assignment themes included enhancing student experience, streamlining content using video, and critical reviews of presentations. Overall challenges of the assignment themes included using technology, presenting, and course instruction. Usability scores averaged 2.21, demonstrating a high level of usability. CONCLUSION: This applied learning opportunity was valuable to nurse educator student participants. Challenges with technology and creating the presentations provided the participants with opportunities for growth. Measuring reflections provided useful information for future iterations of applied learning experiences. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(8):457-460.].

The use of faculty policy teams for advancing policy advocacy and colleagueship.

Policy changes that impact nursing occur at multiple levels. The scope and pace of policy changes make it impossible for one faculty member to fill the role of policy advocate. Faculty are frequently reticent to participate, yet, policy work can be very rewarding for faculty. When engaged in policy advocacy, nursing faculty can be a valuable resource to the university, to legislators, and to other stakeholders. This article discusses the team approach to policy advocacy activity and outlines key steps in the policy process. Strategies for overcoming barriers when merging academic and advocacy responsibilities are identified. An example of a college of nursing faculty policy team that utilized nursing presence and their combined intellectual, social, and political capital is provided. In this example, the policy team influences policy discussions on issues impacting both the university community and citizens throughout the state. The strategies provided and the policy process steps discussed are applicable to policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels. Nursing faculty are positioned to engage students, alumni, practice leaders, and community stakeholders in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary efforts that influence policy initiatives.

Acceptability and usability of a telepresence robot for geriatric primary care: A pilot.

The dual challenge of increasing numbers of older adults and overall increases in those with some form of insurance is driving the need to develop and evaluate novel methods of primary care delivery such as telehealth. The goal of this study was to explore the acceptability and usability of a remote presence robot (RPR) in a simulated primary care wellness encounter for older adults. A descriptive exploratory study was used to determine the acceptability and usability of the RPR operated by an APRN 250 miles from 13 older adults residing in a high rise during a simulated primary care visit. The results support previous research that technology such as the RPR can be both acceptable and useful for an older adult and primary care provider but only in certain circumstances.