Improving Quality of Life Through Self-Management Education for Patients with Heart Failure Using an Infographic and Bi-Weekly Check-Ins: A Quasi-experimental Protocol
Faculty Mentor
Patricia Nadraus
Area of Research
Nursing
Major
Nursing (Undergraduate)
Description
INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s metabolic demands. Although there is no cure, effective self-management can improve outcomes and quality of life. However, many patients struggle to understand complex health education materials, highlighting the need for improved, accessible teaching strategies. This quasi-experimental research proposal project aims to evaluate whether structured diet and fluid balance self-management education delivered via an infographic, combined with bi-weekly registered nurse follow-up telephone calls, affects quality of life in adults with heart failure. The research question guiding this project is: In adults with heart failure, does a structured diet, fluid balance, self-management education, using an infographic, along with follow up affect quality of life?
METHODS: A convenience sample of 20 adults diagnosed with heart failure will be recruited from an outpatient cardiology office. Inclusion criteria include age 18 years or older, English literate, ability to provide informed consent, access to a phone and email, and ability to complete follow-ups. Exclusion criteria include non-compliance with follow-ups and any cognitive impairment. The independent variable is infographic-based education with nursing follow-up. The dependent variable is quality of life, which will be measured using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), a reliable 21-item instrument demonstrating reliability in previous heart failure patients (Cronbach's α > .7). Data will be collected through surveys, phone calls, and bi-weekly follow-ups. An alpha level is set at 0.05, and statistical analysis will include dependent t-tests (pre/posttest design).
RESULTS: The results of this proposal are expected to be consistent with previous literature. Heart Failure education can improve quality of life.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Existing literature supports the use of infographic-based education to enhance patient comprehension and engagement. Combining visual tools with ongoing nursing support may improve adherence to self-management behaviors and ultimately enhance quality of life in patients with heart failure.
Improving Quality of Life Through Self-Management Education for Patients with Heart Failure Using an Infographic and Bi-Weekly Check-Ins: A Quasi-experimental Protocol
INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s metabolic demands. Although there is no cure, effective self-management can improve outcomes and quality of life. However, many patients struggle to understand complex health education materials, highlighting the need for improved, accessible teaching strategies. This quasi-experimental research proposal project aims to evaluate whether structured diet and fluid balance self-management education delivered via an infographic, combined with bi-weekly registered nurse follow-up telephone calls, affects quality of life in adults with heart failure. The research question guiding this project is: In adults with heart failure, does a structured diet, fluid balance, self-management education, using an infographic, along with follow up affect quality of life?
METHODS: A convenience sample of 20 adults diagnosed with heart failure will be recruited from an outpatient cardiology office. Inclusion criteria include age 18 years or older, English literate, ability to provide informed consent, access to a phone and email, and ability to complete follow-ups. Exclusion criteria include non-compliance with follow-ups and any cognitive impairment. The independent variable is infographic-based education with nursing follow-up. The dependent variable is quality of life, which will be measured using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), a reliable 21-item instrument demonstrating reliability in previous heart failure patients (Cronbach's α > .7). Data will be collected through surveys, phone calls, and bi-weekly follow-ups. An alpha level is set at 0.05, and statistical analysis will include dependent t-tests (pre/posttest design).
RESULTS: The results of this proposal are expected to be consistent with previous literature. Heart Failure education can improve quality of life.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Existing literature supports the use of infographic-based education to enhance patient comprehension and engagement. Combining visual tools with ongoing nursing support may improve adherence to self-management behaviors and ultimately enhance quality of life in patients with heart failure.