Background. Heart Failure is highly prevalent with poor outcomes yet only a small proportion of patients receive specialist palliative care services.
Aim. To explore if a programme focussing on support and symptom management of people with heart failure in a hospice environment would be acceptable and of benefit to patients. Methods: A pre/post intervention study design using mixed methods was used to evaluate the programme. The programme was delivered in two-hour time slots over a period of 8 weeks. Participants completed 3 questionnaires pre and post and were interviewed within one week of completion. The study was conducted between June 2014 and January 2015.
Findings. A response rate of 51.7% gave a final sample size of 12 patients. The questionnaire results showed a positive impact on participants’ well-being and views regarding the use of a hospice, but a desire for greater focus on emotional support. Four key themes emerged from inductive qualitative analysis: demystifying perceptions about hospice; positivity about well-being; learning together and consideration of end of life preparation.
Conclusion. This adapted programme provides a useful model for the increased integration of palliative care into the provisions for those living with advancing heart failure
