[Therapeutic patient education in heart failure: a program's assessment]

Abstract

Heart failure is a chronic, common and severe disease. It leads to frequent hospitalizations and decrease of patient's quality of life. A therapeutic patient education program, named "school of heart failure" was implemented at Antoine-Béclère hospital.

Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of this program.

Patients and methods: This therapeutic patient education program included patients with heart failure, hospitalized in a cardiology unit. Four types of evaluation were carried out: evaluation of patients' skills before they leave the hospital, patient's knowledge (associated with the degree of certainty), satisfaction regarding the program and self-assessment of changes in their lifestyle 3 months after discharge.

Results: Twenty-four patients were included in 9 months. The program's evaluation showed promising results with respect to the acquisition of skills (94%), the improvement of patients' knowledge associated with self-confidence increase, their satisfaction towards the program (80%) and their ability to change their habits (75%). Self-assessment has demonstrated changes in their lifestyle.

Conclusion: These preliminary results are promising according to the program's effectiveness and its ability to meet patients' educational needs. The program was certified by French authorities in 2011. Knowledge and skills acquisition will have to be confirmed on long term.