Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent public health issue characterized by frequent exacerbations and a reduced lifespan. Informal caregivers, such as significant others, play a crucial role in supporting self-management in HF patients. However, existing programs often overlook the involvement of these caregivers, leading to increased caregiver burden and suboptimal patient outcomes. A recent study titled "A Couples’ Based Self-Management Program for Heart Failure: Results of a Feasibility Study" sheds light on a promising approach to address this gap.
The SUCCEED Program
The study introduces the SUCCEED program, which stands for Self-management Using Couples’ Coping EnhancEment in Diseases. This family-centered self-management program aims to improve HF self-management, quality of life, communication within couples, relationship quality, and alleviate stress and caregiver burden. The program is based on the Dyadic Health Behavior Change model, which emphasizes the synergy between patients and their spousal caregivers.
Key Findings
The feasibility study involved 17 couples, with 14 completing at least one SUCCEED session. The results indicated high acceptability of the program. At baseline, patients reported poor quality of life, clinically significant depressive symptoms, and inadequate self-management of HF. After participating in SUCCEED, patients showed improvements in self-management, communication, and relationship quality, while caregivers reported reductions in depressive symptoms and caregiver burden.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance their skills by integrating the findings from the SUCCEED program into their practice. Here are some key takeaways:
- Engage Caregivers: Involve significant others in the self-management process to improve patient outcomes and reduce caregiver burden.
- Focus on Communication: Encourage open communication between patients and caregivers to enhance relationship quality and mutual support.
- Address Emotional Well-being: Provide tools and strategies for managing negative emotions and stress for both patients and caregivers.
- Promote Self-Management Skills: Equip patients with the skills necessary for effective HF self-management, such as medication adherence and lifestyle modifications.
Encouraging Further Research
While the SUCCEED program shows promise, further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and applicability in diverse populations. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own studies or collaborating with researchers in the field.
Conclusion
The SUCCEED program offers a novel approach to HF self-management by involving significant others in the process. Practitioners can enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes by adopting the strategies outlined in this study. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Couples’ Based Self-Management Program for Heart Failure: Results of a Feasibility Study.
