OASE_cHi
| Abstract | Development and Evaluation of a Care-Based Counseling Concept to Promote Self-Care Skills Related to Thirst in Inpatients with Advanced Chronic Heart Failure While They Are Waiting for a Heart Transplant |
| IfP Participants | Franziska Wefer, M.Sc. Prof. Dr. Sascha Köpke |
| Other Participants | Heart and Diabetes Center NRW |
| Background | Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) often experience increased thirst due to their condition and treatment regimen. The intensity of thirst can be influenced by the severity of heart failure, the extent of fluid restriction, and the diuretic regimen. Prescribing a restricted fluid intake primarily affects patients with advanced CHF and a heavy symptom burden. A heart transplant is the last resort for patients with advanced CHI. The waiting period for a transplant is often associated with a long hospital stay, significant emotional stress, and strict adherence to dietary and treatment-related guidelines. An increased sensation of thirst in these patients can further exacerbate their distress during this time and affect their adherence to treatment-related measures. Patients often lack options for alternative measures to reduce thirst other than drinking fluids. A care-based counseling program designed to promote self-care skills related to thirst could be one approach to supporting those affected. |
| Objective | The objectives of the planned study are (1) to develop a nursing-based counseling concept to promote self-care skills related to the sensation of thirst among inpatients with advanced CHI while they are waiting for a heart transplant, and (2) to assess the feasibility (feasibility) as well as (3) the effects of the intervention. |
| Methods | Mixed-methods design In addition to a systematic literature review, guided interviews will be conducted with patients while they are waiting for a heart transplant. Furthermore, focus group interviews and a questionnaire survey will be conducted with nursing professionals who have professional experience with this patient group. The counseling concept will be developed based on the results of these project components, and nursing professionals will be trained in its implementation. To assess the feasibility of the counseling concept, an evaluation will be conducted following the training of the nursing professionals. In addition, the counseling materials developed (e.g., informational flyers) will be reviewed and evaluated by healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, physicians, psychologists) and inpatients on a heart transplant ward. To assess the impact of implementing the counseling concept in practice, a before-and-after study (interrupted time series analysis) will be designed based on the preliminary work. |
| Duration | September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2024 |
University of Cologne School of Medicine
Institute for Nursing Science
Univ.-Prof. Sascha Köpke
address
Gleueler Straße 176-178
50935 Köln