Learning style and learning needs of heart failure patients (The Need2Know-HF patient study)

Mary Boyde*, Anthony Tuckett, Robyn Peters, David Thompson, Catherine Turner, Simon Stewart

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Heart failure management programs which include education are the gold standard for management of patients with heart failure. Identifying the learning styles and learning needs of heart failure patients is an essential step in developing effective education strategies within these programs. Aim: To investigate the learning style and learning needs of heart failure patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with heart failure at a large tertiary referral hospital completed a Heart Failure Learning Style and Needs Inventory. Results: From the total of 55 patients who completed the questionnaire 64% reported a preference for multimodal learning style, 18% preferred read/write, 11% preferred auditory, and 7% preferred kinesthetic. In relation to educational topics, signs and symptoms was ranked as the most important topic to learn about followed by prognosis. Conclusion: This study provides a poignant snap-shot into the world of chronic disease. In essence, the patients' educational needs for living with heart failure can be summed up as "Never better, getting worse, unpredictable". The results indicate that these groups of patients need to know (Need2Know) about information regarding their signs and symptoms as well as wanting to elicit the significance of their disease and whether it can be cured.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)316-322
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Volume8
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Dec 2009

Keywords

  • Heart failure
  • Learning needs
  • Patient education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medical–Surgical
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialised Nursing

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