Better preparation and training determine home care workers’ self-efficacy in contributing to heart failure self-carebetter preparation

Objective Identify determinants of home care workers’ (HCW) self-efficacy in contributing to heart failure (HF) self-care. Methods Secondary analysis of a survey (n = 328) examining characteristics of HCWs caring for adults with HF in New York. Self-efficacy assessed using Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Self-Care Scale. Standardized scores range 0–100; ≥ 70 points indicate adequate self-efficacy. Characteristics determined by self-efficacy (low vs. adequate). Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (PR [95% CI]) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Results Home care workers with adequate self-efficacy had at least some prior HF training (55% vs. 17%, p < .001) and greater job satisfaction (90% vs. 77%, p = .003). Significant determinants for adequate self-efficacy were employment length (1.02 [1.00–1.03], p = .027), preparation for caregiving (3.10 [2.42–3.96], p < .001), and HF training (1.48 [1.20–1.84], p < .001). Conclusion Home care agencies and policy-makers can target caregiving preparation and HF training to improve HCWs’ confidence in caring for adult HF patients

Relationship Characteristics And Self-Care In Adults With Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive syndrome of cardiac impairment, affecting nearly 6 million U.S. adults. Four out of every ten persons with HF will die within 5-years of the first acute hospitalization and prevalence is expected to increase substantially. Managing HF requires the routine practice of self-care and may be influenced by family and friend caregivers. Self-care is a process of maintaining health through health promoting practices and managing illness. Interpersonal factors that may influence HF self-care include caregiver autonomy support, relationship quality and dyad gender. Caregiver autonomy support is a dynamic behavioral process whose purpose is to empower the adult with chronic illness to make fully informed, self-determined choices. Relationship quality is characterized by satisfaction, gratification or meaning between the person with illness and their caregiver. Dyad gender represents a multidimensional relation between individual dyad members, social, and structural processes. Despite their significance to self-care, little is known about characteristics that may make caregivers more or less effective in their roles. This dissertation will examine the characteristics of autonomy support, relationship quality and dyad gender in the effective support of self-care. Article 1 systematically reviews and synthesizes results of caregiver autonomy support interventions for chronic illness. Articles 2 and 3 use data from an intervention that incorporates principles of autonomy support (motivational interviewing) for HF. Article 2 employs logistic regression on longitudinal data to determine characteristics impacting response to motivational interviewing. Article 3 examines dyad gender and relationship quality in HF self-care using linear regression on baseline data. Characteristics impacting response to autonomy support included non-ischemic HF etiology, living alone, fewer medications, and relatively higher baseline self-care. Dyad gender was associated with HF self-care for male-male and female-female dyads. Better caregiver relationship quality in these dyads contributed to an additional decrease in patient self-care. Results suggest a relationship between autonomy support and HF self-care. Self-care behaviors may be strengthened through skills-based interventions targeting caregiver autonomy support. Relationship quality and dyad gender may interact to affect self-care, particularly in similar-gender dyads. Results may lead to more effective clinical practice and new research opportunities

Caregiver autonomy support : A systematic review of interventions for adults with chronic illness and their caregivers with narrative synthesis

Chronic illnesses cause significant mortality in adults. Caregivers (spouses, adult children, friends) support adults with chronic illness in multiple ways, for instance through support of their autonomous decisions about how and why to engage in self-care. Aim To examine interventions designed to improve the health and well-being of adults with chronic illness by enhancing the autonomy supportive behaviours of caregivers. Design Systematic review of randomized controlled trials with narrative synthesis. Data sources All available dates of publication through August 2020 conducted in PubMed, Medline, Ageline, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Methods Randomized controlled interventions of adults with chronic illness and their caregivers with content to enhance caregiver autonomy support were included. Interventions involving healthcare personnel, adults without self-care capacity, or not published in English were excluded. Quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Common themes in autonomy support and associated outcomes (e.g., self-care, social support) were synthesized. Results Search identified 1,426 studies with 16 included in review (N = 2,486 dyads). Methodological quality was moderate. Successful interventions were skills-based, targeted various communication styles, contained in-person elements, and involved nurses. Half of the interventions assessed autonomy support outcomes; 63% (5 of 8) of these improved autonomy support. Results were generally positive for social support, mixed for self-care, and null for caregiver burden. Heterogeneity and complexity of studies limited attribution of effects. Conclusion Behavioural interventions designed to enhance dyadic caregiver interpersonal communication to be autonomy supportive may positively influence caregiver skills and chronic illness outcomes. Future studies of autonomy support are needed to identify core intervention components. Impact This is the first systematic review examining interventions promoting caregiver to care-receiver autonomy support. Modifying interpersonal communication to be autonomy supportive has potential to improve chronic illness outcomes. Findings can inform how clinicians and investigators enlist caregiver autonomy support to encourage behaviour change

Characteristics of Patients Who Do Not Respond to Motivational Interviewing for Heart Failure Self-care

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) improves heart failure (HF) self-care for most yet fails to work for some patients. Identifying patients less likely to benefit from MI would save time in identifying a more suitable treatment for these patients. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of adults with HF less likely to clinically improve self-care after MI. Methods This was a secondary intervention group analysis (n = 230) of MOTIVATional intErviewing to improve self-care in Heart Failure patients (MOTIVATE-HF), a trial evaluating MI in improving HF self-care maintenance and management. Self-care was measured with the Self-care of Heart Failure Index v. 6.2 at baseline and 3 months from enrollment. Participants were dichotomized into MI nonresponder (standardized score change &lt;8 points) or MI responder (score change &gt;= 8 points). Logistic regression, adjusted for group differences, identified determinants of nonresponse (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). Results Significant risk factors for self-care maintenance nonresponse 3 months after the intervention were nonischemic HF (2.58 [1.33-5.00], P = .005) and taking fewer medications (0.83 [0.74-0.93], P = .001). These variables explained 29.6% of the variance in HF self-care maintenance. Risk factors for self-care management nonresponse were living alone (4.33 [1.25-14.95], P = .021) and higher baseline self-care management (1.06 [1.02-1.09], P &lt; .001), explaining 35% of the variance in HF self-care management. Conclusions Motivational interviewing may be less beneficial in patients with nonischemic HF and taking fewer medications. Patients with HF living alone with relatively better self-care management may be at risk for MI treatment failure. Identifying characteristics of nonresponders to MI in HF contributes to clinical decision making and personalized interventions

Characteristics of patients who do not respond to motivational interviewing for heart failure self-care

Background Motivational interviewing (MI) improves heart failure (HF) self-care for most yet fails to work for some patients. Identifying patients less likely to benefit from MI would save time in identifying a more suitable treatment for these patients. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of adults with HF less likely to clinically improve self-care after MI. Methods This was a secondary intervention group analysis (n = 230) of MOTIVATional intErviewing to improve self-care in Heart Failure patients (MOTIVATE-HF), a trial evaluating MI in improving HF self-care maintenance and management. Self-care was measured with the Self-care of Heart Failure Index v. 6.2 at baseline and 3 months from enrollment. Participants were dichotomized into MI nonresponder (standardized score change <8 points) or MI responder (score change ≥8 points). Logistic regression, adjusted for group differences, identified determinants of nonresponse (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). Results Significant risk factors for self-care maintenance nonresponse 3 months after the intervention were nonischemic HF (2.58 [1.33–5.00], P = .005) and taking fewer medications (0.83 [0.74–0.93], P = .001). These variables explained 29.6% of the variance in HF self-care maintenance. Risk factors for self-care management nonresponse were living alone (4.33 [1.25–14.95], P = .021) and higher baseline self-care management (1.06 [1.02–1.09], P < .001), explaining 35% of the variance in HF self-care management. Conclusions Motivational interviewing may be less beneficial in patients with nonischemic HF and taking fewer medications. Patients with HF living alone with relatively better self-care management may be at risk for MI treatment failure. Identifying characteristics of nonresponders to MI in HF contributes to clinical decision making and personalized interventions

Dyad gender and relationship quality influence heart failure self-care

Caregivers promote heart failure self-care, yet little is known about how relationship quality and dyad gender influences self-care. The purpose of this study was to evauluate the contribution of dyad gender and relationship quality on heart failure self-care. The study was a secondary analysis from a heart failure self-care intervention. Dyad gender was categorized by patient-caregiver gender as Male-Male (M + M), Female-Female (F + F), Female-Male (Fp + Mc), and Male-Female (Mp + Fc). The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index v.6.2 measured self-care. The Mutuality Scale assessed relationship quality. Univariate linear regression identified determinants of patient self-care maintenance and self-efficacy. The sample (n = 503) was 48% Mp + Fc, 27% F + F, 15% Fp + Mc, and 10% M + M. Better caregiver mutuality in M + M dyads was associated with lower self-care maintenance (b = −7.45, 95% CI [−13.80, −1.11]) and self-efficacy (b = −18.07, 95% CI [−29.11, −7.04]). Better patient mutuality was associated with higher self-efficacy for M + M dyads (b = 12.63, 95% CI [2.18, 23.09]). Mutuality and dyad gender appear important for self-care. Consider the role of gender in the dyad in behavioral interventions

Lessons learned from the implementation of a video health coaching technology intervention to improve self-care of family caregivers of adults with heart failure

Individuals with heart failure (HF) typically live in the community and are cared for at home by family caregivers. These caregivers often lack supportive services and the time to access those services when available. Technology can play a role in conveniently bringing needed support to these caregivers. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of a virtual health coaching intervention with caregivers of HF patients (“Virtual Caregiver Coach for You”—ViCCY). A randomized controlled trial is currently in progress to test the efficacy of the intervention to improve self-care. In this trial, 250 caregivers will be randomly assigned to receive health information via a tablet computer (hereafter, tablet) plus 10 live health coaching sessions delivered virtually (intervention group; n = 125) or health information via a tablet only (control group; n = 125). Each tablet has specific health information websites preloaded. To inform others embarking on similar technology projects, here we highlight the technology challenges encountered with the first 15 caregivers who received the ViCCY intervention and the solutions used to overcome those challenges. Several adaptations to the implementation of ViCCY were needed to address hardware, software, and network connectivity challenges. Even with a well-designed research implementation plan, it is important to re-examine strategies at every step to solve implementation barriers and maximize fidelity to the intervention. Researcher and interventionist flexibility in adapting to new strategies is essential when implementing a technology-based virtual health coaching intervention

Characteristics of self-care interventions for patients with a chronic condition : A scoping review

Background: Self-care is a fundamental element of treatment for patients with a chronic condition and a major focus of many interventions. A large body of research exists describing different types of selfcare interventions, but these studies have never been compared across conditions. Examination of heterogeneous interventions could provide insights into effective approaches that should be used in diverse patient populations. Objectives: To provide a comprehensive and standardized cross-condition overview of interventions to enhance self-care in patients with a chronic condition. Specific aims were to: 1) identify what self-care concepts and behaviors are evaluated in self-care interventions; 2) classify and quantify heterogeneity in mode and type of delivery; 3) quantify the behavior change techniques used to enhance self-care behavior; and 4) assess the dose of self-care interventions delivered. Design: Scoping review Data sources: Four electronic databases &amp; ndash; PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and CINAHL &amp; ndash; were searched from January 2008 through January 2019. Eligibility criteria for study selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with concealed allocation to the intervention were included if they compared a behavioral or educational self- care intervention to usual care or another self-care intervention and were conducted in adults. Nine common chronic conditions were included: hypertension, coronary artery disease, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diagnoses that are psychiatric (e.g. schizophrenia), acute rather than chronic, or benefitting little from self-care (e.g. dementia) were excluded. Studies had to be reported in English with full-text available. Results: 9309 citations were considered and 233 studies were included in the final review. Most studies addressed type 2 diabetes mellitus ( n = 85; 36%), hypertension ( n = 32; 14%) or heart failure ( n = 27; 12%). The majority (97%) focused on healthy behaviors like physical activity (70%), dietary intake (59%), and medication management (52%). Major deficits found in self-care interventions included a lack of at-tention to the psychological consequences of chronic illness, technology and behavior change techniques were rarely used, few studies focused on helping patients manage signs and symptoms, and the inter-ventions were rarely innovative. Research reporting was generally poor. Conclusions: Major gaps in targeted areas of self-care were identified. Opportunities exist to improve the quality and reporting of future self-care intervention research. Registration: The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (#123,719). (c) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)Funding Agencies|Australian Catholic University</p

Caregivers' Contributions to Heart Failure Self-care

Background: A previous systematic review reporting the contributions of informal, unpaid caregivers to patient heart failure (HF) self-care requires updating to better inform research, practice, and policy. Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an updated review answering the questions: (1) What specific activities do informal caregivers of adults with HF take part in related to HF self-care? (2) Have the activities that informal caregivers of adults with HF take part in related to HF self-care changed over time? (3) What are the gaps in the science? Methods: This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched. Eligible studies involved an informal, unpaid caregiver of an adult with HF as a study variable or participant. Caregiving activities were benchmarked using the theory of self-care in chronic illness. Results: Two thousand one hundred fifty-four research reports were identified, of which 64 met criteria. Caregivers' contributions occurred in self-care maintenance (91%), monitoring (54%), and management (46%). Activities performed directly on or to the patient were reported more frequently than activities performed for the patient. Change over time involved the 3 domains differentially. Gaps include ambiguous self-care activity descriptions, inadequate caregiving time quantification, and underrepresented self-care monitoring, supportive, and communication activities. Conclusions: Newly identified caregiver-reported activities support updating the theory of self-care in chronic illness to include activities currently considered ancillary to HF self-care. Identified gaps highlight the need to define specific caregiving activities, determine task difficulty and burden, and identify caregiver self-care strategy and education needs. Exposing the hidden work of caregiving is essential to inform policy and practice