Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Keywords

qualitative, dyad, life course, symptom management, intervention

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773816688817

Abstract

It is imperative that dyadic heart failure (HF) self-care be carefully examined so we can develop interventions which improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine how patient/informal caregiver dyads mutually engage in managing the patient’s HF at home. Twenty-seven dyads were interviewed using a theoretically derived interview guide. All interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed, and iterative thematic analysis was conducted. Three descriptive themes emerged—Mutual engagement in self-care involves maintaining established patterns of engagement across the life course of the relationship, changing patterns according to whether it is day-to-day care or symptom management, and mobilizing the help of a third party as consultant. These themes reveal the dyadic conundrum—whether to change or remain the same in the face of a dynamic and progressive condition like HF. The themes suggest potential targets for intervention—interventions focused on the relationship or caregiver activation.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Clinical Nursing Research, v. 27, issue 2, p. 148-161

Buck, H. G., Hupcey, J., & Watach, A., Pattern Versus Change: Community-Based Dyadic Heart Failure Self-Care. Clinical Nursing Research, 27(2), 148-161. © The Authors 2017. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.

The final authenticated version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773816688817

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