Effectiveness of an educational self-management program for outpatients with chronic heart failure

Abstract

Aim: The occurrence rate of chronic heart failure (CHF) in Japan is estimated to be 50000 per one million persons. It is important for the Japanese medical financial system to institute a program of disease management in order to prevent the deterioration of persons with CHF. However, there are still few studies on the disease management of CHF in Japan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide an educational self-management program to Japanese outpatients with CHF in order to improve their clinical outcomes. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial with 102 outpatients with CHF was conducted. There were 50 participants in the intervention group and 52 participants in the control group. The control group received medical treatment and standard care. In addition to this, the intervention group also received an educational program for 6months. The program consisted of six nurse-directed sessions that were provided to each outpatient once per month in a clinical setting for a total of 6months. A follow-up session was conducted each month for 6months. The data collection was carried out at the start of the program and at 3, 6, 9, and 12months. Results: Significant differences could be observed in the primary and secondary outcomes and in the process indicators between the two groups after the program began. In other words, all the indicators improved for the intervention group, compared to the control group. Therefore, this program was considered to be effective. Conclusion: Further long-term care is necessary for outpatients with CHF in order to prevent their deterioration and to maintain their health status, even though this 6month program did provide them with proper knowledge regarding self-care for CHF and affected their therapy results. © 2010 The Authors. Japan Journal of Nursing Science © 2010 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.