Somatic awareness, uncertainty, and delay in care-seeking in acute heart failure

Symptom monitoring is difficult for heart failure (HF) patients. Difficulties physically sensing and determining symptom meaning may lead to uncertainty and delay treatment. Somatic awareness may provide insight into symptom monitoring ability. A model combining physical and cognitive aspects of the symptom experience was developed to examine factors affecting care-seeking among HF patients. Adults hospitalized with acute HF were interviewed and completed questionnaires measuring somatic awareness and uncertainty. HF symptom duration prior to admission measured delay. HF specific somatic awareness and symptom pattern predicted delay. Uncertainty correlated with somatic awareness, but did not predict delay. Few responded to early HF symptoms delaying until acutely ill. Development of interventions to improve symptom monitoring is needed.

Why do elders delay responding to heart failure symptoms?

BACKGROUND

Elders with heart failure (HF) are at risk for frequent hospitalizations for symptom management. Repeated admissions are partly related to delay in responding to HF symptoms. Contextual factors such as prior illness experiences and social/emotional factors may affect symptom interpretation and response. The Self-Regulation Model of Illness guided this study as it acknowledges the dynamic nature of illness and influence of contextual factors and social environment on the interpretation and response to symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe contextual factors related to symptom recognition and response among elders hospitalized with decompensated HF.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design was used. The HF Symptom Perception Scale (physical factors), Specific Activity Scale (functional performance), and Response to Symptoms Questionnaire (cognitive/emotional factors) were administered to participants aged >or=65 years. Symptom duration and clinical details were collected by interview and chart review. Open-ended questions addressing the symptom experience, including the context in which symptoms occurred, were audiotaped, transcribed, analyzed, and compared across cases to inform the quantitative data.

RESULTS

The convenience sample (n = 77) was 48% female, 85.7% were non-Hispanic White, and mean age was 75.9 years (SD = 7.7 years). Functional performance was low (81% class III/IV). The most frequently reported symptoms were dyspnea, dyspnea on exertion, and fatigue. Median duration of early symptoms of HF decompensation was 5 to 7 days, but dyspnea duration ranged from 30 minutes to 90 days before action was taken. Longer dyspnea duration was associated with higher physical symptom distress (r = .30) and lower anxiety (r = -.31). Sensing and attributing meaning to early symptoms of HF decompensation were problematic.

DISCUSSION

The physical symptom experience and the cognitive and emotional response to HF symptoms were inadequate for timely care seeking for most of this older aged sample.

Symptom clusters of heart failure

Patients with heart failure (HF) report multiple symptoms. Change in symptoms is an indicator of HF decompensation. Patients have difficulty differentiating HF symptoms from comorbid illness or aging. The study purpose was to identify the number, type, and combination of symptoms in hospitalized HF patients and test relationships with comorbid illness and age. A secondary analysis from a HF registry (N = 687) was conducted. The sample was 51.7% female, mean age 71 +/- 12.5 years. The theory of unpleasant symptoms informed the study regarding the multidimensional nature of symptoms. Factor analysis of nine items from the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire resulted in three factors, acute and chronic volume overload and emotional distress. Clusters occurred more frequently in older patients, but caused less impact.

Motivational interviewing to improve self-care for patients with chronic heart failure: MITI-HF randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a tailored motivational interviewing (MI) intervention versus usual care for improving HF self-care behaviors, physical HF symptoms and quality of life.

METHODS

This is a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants were enrolled in the hospital. Immediately after discharge, those in the intervention group received a single home visit and 3-4 follow-up phone calls by a nurse over 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 67 participants completed the study (mean age 62±12.8 years), of which 54% were African American, 30% were female, 84% had class III/IV symptoms, and 63% were educated at a high school level or less. There were no differences between the groups in self-care maintenance, self-care confidence, physical HF symptoms, or quality of life at 90 days.

CONCLUSION

Patients who received the MI intervention had significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HF self-care maintenance over 90 days that exceeded that of usual care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These data support the use of a nurse-led MI intervention for improving HF self-care. Identifying methods to improve HF self-care may lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Acute care nurses' spiritual care practices

The purpose of this study was to identify barriers in providing spiritual care to hospitalized patients. A convenience sample (N = 271) was recruited at an academic medical center in New York City for an exploratory, descriptive questionnaire. The Spiritual Care Practice (SCP) questionnaire assesses spiritual care practices and perceived barriers to spiritual care. The SCP determines the percentage that provides spiritual support and perceived barriers inhibiting spiritual care. The participation rate was 44.3% (N = 120). Most (61%) scored less than the ideal mean on the SCP. Although 96% (N = 114) believe addressing patients spiritual needs are within their role, nearly half (48%) report rarely participating in spiritual practices. The greatest perceived barriers were belief that patient's spirituality is private, insufficient time, difficulty distinguishing proselytizing from spiritual care, and difficulty meeting needs when spiritual beliefs were different from their own. Although nurses identify themselves as spiritual, results indicate spirituality assessments are inadequate. Addressing barriers will provide nurses opportunities to address spirituality. Education is warranted to improve nurses' awareness of the diversity of our society to better meet the spiritual needs of patients. Understanding these needs provide the nurse with opportunities to address spirituality and connect desires with actions to strengthen communication and the nurse-patient relationship.

Length of delay in seeking medical care by patients with heart failure symptoms and the role of symptom-related factors: a narrative review

AIMS

The delay in seeking timely medical care by patients with acute coronary syndrome and stroke is well established. Less is known about the delay in patients with heart failure (HF). Reducing the delay in seeking care and the early initiation of treatment is associated with improved outcomes in patients with HF. The purpose of this narrative review was to describe the length of the delay in seeking care for HF symptoms and identify symptom-related factors that contribute to the delay in seeking medical care.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A literature search was conducted to identify English language studies that (i) describe the length of care-seeking delay for HF symptoms and/or (ii) identify symptom-related factors that contribute to delay in seeking medical care. The results of this review demonstrate that upon hospital admission patients report wide variations in median symptom time course from 2 h to 7 days from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission. The ability of patients to recognize, interpret, and appraise HF symptoms has been demonstrated to be limited. Symptom characteristics such as dyspnoea, oedema, orthopnoea, higher somatic awareness, higher symptom distress, nocturnal symptom onset, and the pattern of symptom onset were related to longer delay in care-seeking for HF symptoms. Furthermore, cognitive responses to HF may also play an important role in symptom appraisal.

CONCLUSION

Delays in seeking care for HF symptoms have been shown to range from hours to days from symptom onset to hospital admission. Healthcare professionals should therefore be more vigilant in identifying high-risk individuals and educating them about the warning signs of HF. Moreover, access to outpatient chronic disease management programmes may have the potential to reduce these delays.

Psychometric testing of the heart failure somatic awareness scale

BACKGROUND

Self-management of heart failure relies on patients to assess their symptoms, but their ability to do so is often difficult to determine. The 12-item self-report Heart Failure Somatic Awareness Scale (HFSAS) was developed to measure awareness of and distress secondary to heart failure symptoms. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the HFSAS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Feasibility and discriminant validity of the HFSAS were tested in 49 patients admitted for an exacerbation of heart failure. The HFSAS was acceptable to patients and discriminated between heart failure symptoms and anxiety (r = 0.25, P = .08). When reliability and validity were tested in 201 patients with acute heart failure, theta reliability was adequate (0.71). The HFSAS was low to moderately correlated with general bodily awareness (r = 0.48). No difference was found based on gender, but younger patients had higher mean and median HFSAS scores (more distress). The HFSAS was a significant predictor of symptom duration prior to seeking care for heart failure; higher scores were associated with longer delay before seeking care.

CONCLUSION

The HFSAS is reliable with content, discriminant, and construct validity. Evaluation of its usefulness in teaching patients to monitor daily symptoms is needed.

Heart failure symptom monitoring and response training

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a heart failure (HF) training program on patients' ability to recognize and respond to changes in HF symptoms. The primary aim was to compare event-free survival at 90 days.

METHODS

A total of 99 HF patients randomized to the HF symptom training intervention or usual care completed instruments about self-care (Self-Care of HF Index) and at baseline and 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and comorbidity data were collected by interview and chart review. Time to first event (death or a HF-related hospitalization) was tracked by electronic records and patient interview.

RESULTS

The sample was predominately male (67.7%), elderly (67.7 yrs ± 12.1) and Caucasian (88.9%). The intervention group reported more events but the difference was not significantly different (χ(2) = 1.18, p = 0.26). There was no difference in survival time between groups (χ(2) = 1.53, p = 0.216). In paired t-tests, the intervention group had significantly improved self-care maintenance, management and confidence scores (all p < 0.01). The usual care group had significantly improved self-care maintenance and management (both p < 0.01). Improvements in self-care maintenance and confidence were higher in the intervention group compared with usual care (18.0 vs. 12.9 points).

CONCLUSIONS

HF symptom awareness training appeared to have an early but not sustained benefit resulting in no difference in 90-day event-free survival. However, larger improvement in self-care maintenance and confidence scores in the intervention group compared to usual care is promising. Embedding meaningful symptom monitoring strategies in self-care maintenance interventions requires further investigation.

State of the Science: The Relevance of Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease and Research: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease drive health care use and are a major contributor to quality of life. Symptoms are of fundamental significance not only to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and appraisal of response to medical therapy but also directly to patients' daily lives. The primary purpose of this scientific statement is to present the state of the science and relevance of symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease. Symptoms as patient-reported outcomes are reviewed in terms of the genesis, manifestation, and similarities or differences between diagnoses. Specifically, symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, valvular disorders, stroke, rhythm disorders, and peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Secondary aims include (1) describing symptom measurement methods in research and application in clinical practice and (2) describing the importance of cardiovascular disease symptoms in terms of clinical events and other patient-reported outcomes as applicable.

Standardized ultrasound examination for evaluation of instability of the acromioclavicular joint

Anteroposterior X-ray views of both acromioclavicular (AC) joints with 10-kg weights held in each hand are the generally accepted procedure for diagnosis of Tossy I-III grades of AC joint separation. An analogous diagnosis can be made by standardized ultrasound examination. Ten individuals with Tossy-I, 11 with Tossy-II and 8 with Tossy-III instability were examined both radiographically and by B-mode ultrasound. The degree of AC joint separation was uniformly determined on the basis of a calculated index (AC Index = AC joint width of uninjured side/AC joint width of injured side). The mean AC Index for Tossy-I instability determined by ultrasound was 1.0; mean indices of 0.49 and 0.5 were determined for Tossy-II injury by ultrasound and X-ray, respectively, and of 0.21 and 0.2, respectively, for Tossy-III instability. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the mean AC indices of all three groups (P < 0.0001). We conclude that the reliability of ultrasound examination of AC joint instability is equal to that of radiographic measurement. Standard X-rays of the shoulder remain mandatory only to exclude fracture. The indication for operative stabilization of the AC joint can be established on the basis of the grade of AC joint instability measured by the side-effect-free and cost-effective method of ultrasound examination (AC Index < 0.3 equivalent to Tossy-III instability).

Changes in prescriptive practices in skin and soft tissue infections associated with the increased occurrence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Over 30% of the US population is colonized with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). People within the community, without factors associated with Hospital Acquired (HA) MRSA, present with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) is resistant to antibiotics typically prescribed for SSTI. Many SSTIs are treated with antibiotics that are ineffective against drug resistant strains.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study examines the incidence of SSTIs associated with CA-MRSA, to determine if an increase in SSTI's is associated with changes in prescribing patterns for MRSA.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) data was used to detect incidence of SSTIs based on ICD-9 coding between the periods of 1997-2002 and 2003-2008. Antibiotic prescribing patterns were examined for treatment.

RESULTS

Incidence of SSTIs increased by 84.7% from 1997-2002 to 2003-2008. Antibiotics prescribed for methicillin sensitive S. aureus decreased while treatment with MSRA antibiotics increased.

CONCLUSION

There is an increased incidence of SSTI within the community, suggesting that CA-MRSA may be a contributing factor. Health care providers are recognizing the increased incidence of CAMRSA, and are treating SSTI with appropriate antibiotics.

Symptom Perception and Influencing Factors in Chinese Patients with Heart Failure: A Preliminary Exploration

A growing body of evidence supports the fact that optimal health-related quality of life is largely dependent on patient competence in symptom perception. However, many studies have reported poor symptom perception in patients with heart failure. In China, there has been no previous research on assessing the symptom perception ability of patients with heart failure. This study aimed to describe how Chinese patients with heart failure perceive their symptoms, as well as to explore their influencing factors. A theory-based, descriptive, correlational cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data on symptom perception and factors related to symptom perception were collected via structured interviews and medical records. A convenience sample of 208 hospitalized patients was enrolled. The degree of symptom perception in this study was at a high level. The results showed that the level of depression, the New York Heart Association functional class, the left ventricular ejection fraction, and educational background were identified as independent factors of symptom perception in Chinese patients with heart failure. The degree of symptom perception of patients with heart failure was affected by personal, psychological, and physiological factors. Health policy and healthcare providers should pay more attention and deepen the understanding to Chinese patients with heart failure to provide better healthcare.

Phenotypic profiling of cognitive impairment risk among patients with heart failure: a literature review of the usefulness of cardiac-related variables

BACKGROUND

Mild cognitive impairment among patients with heart failure can be subtle. Heart failure-related variables such as ejection fraction, low systolic blood pressure and functional status are reportedly associated with cognitive impairment among heart failure patients. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the value of cardiac variables commonly assessed during heart failure-related hospitalizations for a phenotypic profile of the risk of cognitive impairment.

METHOD

A literature review of primary research studies was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched using the keywords heart failure, blood pressure, ejection fraction, functional status, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in combination with the terms cognition, cognitive function, cognitive dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence supports the potential utility of lower ejection fraction, lower blood pressure and functional status and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide as a phenotypic profile for an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

IMPLICATIONS

If the risk for cognitive impairment is suspected, specific evaluations of cognition can be performed. For community-dwelling heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment, more intense interventions to support self-care, increased family involvement and more frequent follow up may be necessary.

Comparative symptom biochemistry between moderate and advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

We have a limited understanding of the biological underpinnings of symptoms in heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this paper was to compare relationships between peripheral biomarkers of HF pathogenesis and physical symptoms between patients with advanced versus moderate HF.

METHODS

This was a two-stage phenotype sampling cohort study wherein we examined patients with advanced HF undergoing ventricular assist device implantation in the first stage, and then patients with moderate HF (matched adults with HF not requiring device implantation) in the second stage. Linear modeling was used to compare relationships among biomarkers and physical symptoms between cohorts.

RESULTS

Worse myocardial stress, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were associated with worse physical symptoms in moderate HF (n=48), but less physical symptom burden in advanced HF (n=48).

CONCLUSIONS

Where patients are in the HF trajectory needs to be taken into consideration when exploring biological underpinnings of physical HF symptoms.

Exploring Relationships Between State-Level LGBTQ Inclusivity and BRFSS Indicators of Mental Health and Risk Behaviors: A Secondary Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Minority Stress Theory suggests that repeated exposure to enacted stigma adversely affects mental health. States have wide authority to enact policies affecting the level of inclusivity experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) residents. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between states' level of LGBTQ inclusivity and indicators of mental health/risk behaviors among an LGBTQ sample.

METHODS

The 2018 Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index (SEI) and the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) were used to examine relationships between states' levels of LGBTQ inclusivity (predictor variable) and indicators of mental health/risk behaviors (outcome variables). Relationships were explored using descriptive statistics and survey-weighted logistic regression.

RESULTS

Lower state inclusivity increased odds of fair/poor general health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.48), increased odds of poor mental health days (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.62), increased odds of smoking (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.27-2.07), and increased odds of heavy drinking (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26-1.86) and binge drinking (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01-1.49). State inclusivity did not influence odds of a depressive disorder diagnosis or driving under the influence of alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

LGBTQ persons in restrictive states had increased odds of experiencing several indicators of mental health and risk behaviors. More research is needed to determine whether state policies affect other domains of LGBTQ persons' health. Health care providers should be mindful of LGBTQ persons' mental health/risk behaviors and the state policy environment, and should seek to implement mitigating health care strategies such as the use of validated assessment.