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Symptom Management and Caregiver Challenges of Informal Caregiving for Older People With Heart Failure: A Mixed Methods Study.

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Τίτλος: Symptom Management and Caregiver Challenges of Informal Caregiving for Older People With Heart Failure: A Mixed Methods Study.
Συγγραφείς: Yilmaz M; Merve Yilmaz, RN, MSN, Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Research Assistant, Faculty of Nursing, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. Bülent Behlül Altunkeser, MD, Cardiologist, Professor Doctor, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey., Altunkeser BB
Πηγή: The Journal of cardiovascular nursing [J Cardiovasc Nurs] 2026 Nov-Dec 01; Vol. 41 (6), pp. E596-E605. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jul 07.
Τύπος έκδοσης: Journal Article
Γλώσσα: English
Στοιχεία περιοδικού: Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 8703516 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1550-5049 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 08894655 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Cardiovasc Nurs Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: 2003- : Hagerstown, MD : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Original Publication: [Frederick, MD : Aspen Publishers, c1986-
Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): Heart Failure*/nursing , Caregivers*/psychology , Symptom Assessment*/methods , Symptom Assessment*/nursing , Symptom Assessment*/psychology , Disease Management*, Surveys and Questionnaires ; Qualitative Research ; Interviews as Topic ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over
Περίληψη: Background: Heart failure, characterized by its unpredictable trajectory and challenging symptom management, necessitates continual adaptation and the active involvement of patients and their families.
Objective: Heart failure is a growing health challenge in aging societies. Informal caregivers are often the first to observe and respond to symptoms, yet their voices remain underrepresented in the literature. In this study, our aim was to explore how caregivers recognize and manage symptoms in older adults with heart failure and to identify the support they require to sustain this vital role.
Methods: A sequential, explanatory, mixed methods study was performed. This mixed methods study was reported in accordance with the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist. Quantitative data were gathered from 205 caregivers through structured symptom assessments, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews with 16 caregivers.
Results: The most frequently observed symptoms included fatigue, dyspnea, and edema. Caregivers described relying on visual cues rather than patient-reported symptoms, often due to limited clinical knowledge or support. Thematic analysis revealed significant emotional strain, physical fatigue, and informational gaps. Many caregivers highlighted the need for practical training, emotional support, and accessible guidance from healthcare professionals.
Conclusions: Caregivers are not only essential partners in heart failure management-they are often the bridge between the home and healthcare system. Addressing their educational and psychosocial needs through structured training and remote nursing support is critical to improving care continuity and outcomes.
(Copyright © 2026 Wolters Kluwer Health, LLC. All rights reserved.)
Competing Interests: The authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: caregiver burden; heart failure; informal caregiving; nursing education; symptom management
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260717 Date Completed: 20261012 Latest Revision: 20261012
Update Code: 20261012
DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000001354
PMID: 42468034
Βάση Δεδομένων: MEDLINE
Περιγραφή
ISSN:1550-5049
DOI:10.1097/JCN.0000000000001354