Liljeroos, Maria

Introduction: Symptom perception in heart failure (HF) has been identified as crucial for effective self-care, and is related to patient and health system outcomes. There is uncertainty regarding the feasibility and acceptability of symptom perception support and doubts regarding how to include informal caregivers. This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability and outcome responsiveness of an intervention supporting symptom perception in persons with HF and their informal caregiver.

Objectives: To examine similarities and dissimilarities in patient and family caregiver dyads in their experience of stress, support, and sense of security. Methods: 144 patients and their family caregivers participated. Patients were admitted to six Swedish specialist palliative home care units and diagnosed with a non-curable disease with an expected short survival. We analysed similarity patterns of answers within dyads (correlations) as well as dissimilarities, expressed as the difference between within-dyad responses.

Aims and objectives To explore the perceived caring needs in patient-partner dyads affected by heart failure to develop an understanding of potential areas of support. Background Being affected by heart failure has a great impact on both the patient and the partner but until now contemporary care has remained patient focused. Design A qualitative study design was used. Methods Eight focus group interviews were performed, which included nineteen patients diagnosed with heart failure and their cohabiting partner.