Incorporating reproductive system history data into cardiovascular nursing research to advance women's health.

The lack of sex-specific variables, such as reproductive system history (RSH), in cardiovascular research studies is a missed opportunity to address the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, especially among women who face sex-specific risks of developing CVD. Collecting RSH data from women enrolled in research studies is an important step towards improving women's cardiovascular health. In this paper, we describe two approaches to collecting RSH in CVD research: extracting RSH from the medical record and participant self-report of RSH. We provide specific examples from our own research and address common data management and statistical analysis problems when dealing with RSH data in research.

Sex differences in the impact of physical frailty on outcomes in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Physical frailty is strongly related to adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF), and women are more likely to be physically frail than men; however, it is unknown if this sex difference affects outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there are sex differences in the associations between physical frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and clinical outcomes in HF. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of adults with HF. Physical frailty was assessed using the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. HRQOL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire. One-year clinical events (all-cause death or cardiovascular hospitalization or emergency department visit) were ascertained. We used generalized linear modeling to quantify associations between physical frailty and HRQOL, and Cox proportional hazards modeling to quantify associations between physical frailty and clinical events, adjusting for Seattle HF Model scores. RESULTS: The sample (n = 115) was 63.5 ± 15.7 years old and 49% women. Physical frailty was associated with significantly worse total HRQOL among women (p = 0.005) but not men (p = 0.141). Physical frailty was associated with worse physical HRQOL among both women (p < 0.001) and men (p = 0.043). There was a 46% higher clinical event risk for every one-point increase in physical frailty score among men (p = 0.047) but not women (p = 0.361). CONCLUSIONS: Physical frailty is associated with worse overall HRQOL among women and higher clinical event risk among men, indicating a need to better understand contributors to sex-specific health differences associated with physical frailty in HF.

How Tailoring Led to Variation in Care Issues, Dosage, and Outcomes: Part 1: Secondary Analysis of the PREP Trial for Frail Older Adults and Family Caregivers.

In family caregiving interventions for adults with health problems, tailoring has become the norm. Studies that evaluate tailored interventions, however, have rarely included intentional variation in dosage or explored the dosage-outcome association. In this Part 1 secondary analysis, we examine dosage and outcomes in intervention families (N = 116) who participated in the Oregon Health & Science University/Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region Family Care Study. The Family Care Study was a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the preparedness, skill, enrichment, and predictability (PREP) intervention with caregiving families of frail older adults referred for skilled home health. Tailoring of PREP began with assessment by the PREP nurse. Families then identified and selected care-related issues to work on with their PREP nurse; family needs and preferences guided the number and timing of nurse visits and calls. Families selected a median of 3 (range = 0 to 10) care-related issues in five categories: direct care (chosen by 57% of families), transitions (40%), caregiver strain and health (40%), arranging care (33%), and enrichment (22%). The number of issues strongly predicted number of PREP nurse visits and calls, whereas nurse visits in turn predicted caregivers' reports of improved family care and usefulness of home health assistance, highlighting the importance of visits for achieving outcomes. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(2), 57-70.].

How Concurrent Services Obscured Detection of Intervention Benefits: Part 2: Secondary Analysis of the PREP Trial for Frail Older Adults and Family Caregivers.

Family caregivers frequently use health and social services to support their caregiving. In evaluating care-giving interventions, however, researchers rarely examine the influences of such concurrent services on intervention effectiveness. In this Part 2 secondary analysis of data from the Oregon Health & Science University/Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region Family Care Study, we examined the moderating influences of concurrent services on intervention effectiveness. The Family Care Study was a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the preparedness, skill, enrichment, and predictability (PREP) intervention with caregivers of frail older adults referred for skilled home health. Compared with control caregivers receiving usual home health care (n = 103), PREP intervention caregivers (n = 104) reported greater improvements in family care (effect size, d = 0.58). We conducted follow-up analyses to determine whether PREP was differentially effective depending on whether dyads received concurrent Social Health Maintenance Organization (SHMO) services, concurrent hospice services, or neither. In the 55% of dyads not receiving SHMO or hospice, we found that PREP's effects were large compared to usual care (d = 1.16, p < 0.001). PREP's effects were not significant for dyads receiving concurrent SHMO or hospice services. Results highlight the strong benefits of hospice for control dyads, but reveal difficulties in evaluating intervention effectiveness when dyads receive concurrent services. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(2), 71-83.].

Candidate biomarkers of physical frailty in heart failure: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Physical frailty is highly prevalent and predictive of worse outcomes in heart failure (HF). Candidate biomarker analysis may help in understanding the mechanisms underlying physical frailty in HF. We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers associated with physical frailty in HF using a multimarker strategy of distinct pathophysiological processes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected data and plasma samples from 113 adults with New York Heart Association Functional Class I-IV HF. Physical frailty was measured with the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. Plasma biomarkers included: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, dihydroxyphenylglycol, soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor-1, adiponectin, insulin, glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and myostatin. Comparative statistics and multivariate linear regression were used to test group differences and associations. The average age was 63.5 ± 15.7 years, half were women (48%), and most had a non-ischaemic aetiology of HF (73%). Physical frailty was identified in 42% and associated with female sex, higher body mass index and percent body fat, more comorbidities, and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Adjusting for Seattle HF Model projected survival score, comorbidities, body composition, and sex, physical frailty was associated with significantly lower plasma adiponectin [ß ± standard error (SE) -0.28 ± 0.14, P = 0.047], IGF-1 (ß ± SE -0.21 ± 0.10, P = 0.032), and myostatin (ß ± SE -0.22 ± 0.09, P = 0.011). In sex-stratified analyses, IGF-1 and myostatin were significantly associated with physical frailty in men but not women. CONCLUSION: We identified biomarkers involved in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle development, maintenance, and function that were associated with physical frailty in HF.

Frequency and Predictors of Falls Among Adults With Heart Failure: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Adults with heart failure (HF) may be at high risk for falling due to age, comorbidities and frailty; however, few studies have examined falls in HF. The purpose of this study was to quantify the frequency and predictors of falls over 1 year among adults with HF. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of adults with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-IV HF. After baseline assessment of physical frailty and clinical characteristics, participants self-reported falls every 3 months during 1 year. Comparative statistics were used to identify baseline differences between those who fell vs those who did not. A stepwise negative binomial regression model was used to identify predictors of fall rate over 1 year. RESULTS: The sample (n = 111) was 63.4 ± 15.7 years old, 48% were women, 28% had HF with preserved ejection fraction, and 41% were frail. Over 1 year, 43 (39%) of participants reported at least 1 fall and 28 (25%) of participants reported 2+ falls. Among those who fell, 29 (67%) reported injurious falls. Those who fell had significantly higher body mass indexes and were more likely to have NYHA class III/IV, type 2 diabetes and HF with preserved ejection fraction and to meet slowness and physical exhaustion criteria than those who did not fall. The fall rate was elevated among those with type 2 diabetes and those meeting the slowness and physical exhaustion criteria for physical frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 40% of adults with HF experienced a fall within 1 year. Screening for comorbidities, slowness and exhaustion may help to identify those at risk for a fall.

The Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response Program: Development of an In-Home Dementia-Related Care Needs Assessment to Improve Well-Being.

Background and Objectives: The Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response (READyR) Program was developed in order to address the current lack of early-stage dementia care planning programs that assess the care needs of persons with dementia. The goal was to create a program informed by care values and ongoing ecologically valid data. The objectives of this study are to describe the development and design process of the READyR Program, and to evaluate the utility of the READyR Program for identifying dementia-related care needs. Research Design and Methods: A prototype of the web-based READyR Program tool was first created using digital activity data that were collected by previous studies using a platform of multimodal sensors installed in the homes of older adult couples with and without dementia. Digital activity data were then mapped onto potential care values (e.g., safety & autonomy) to create a values-based needs assessment that is tailored to the individual care dyad. Next, evaluation of the READyR Program by 11 professional dementia care coordinators and case managers (across 3 semistructured focus groups) was used to explore the utility of READyR for assessing dementia-related needs. Qualitative description using conventional content analysis was used to iteratively code focus group data and to describe prevalent themes. Results: Prevalent focus groups themes included barriers to (e.g., family relationship strain) and facilitators of (e.g., tailored assessments) the optimal process for assessing dementia-related care needs by care coordinators, as well as advantages to (e.g., providing new objective insights into function, and routines) and disadvantages of (e.g., bringing up new questions about care) incorporating the remote monitoring data into a values-based needs assessment. Discussion and Implications: READyR has the potential to help family members, as well as care coordinators and providers, gain insight into the values-based care needs of persons with early-stage dementia. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT04542109.

Background and Design of the Biological and Physiological Mechanisms of Symptom Clusters in Heart Failure (BIOMES-HF) Study.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms, which often cluster together, are a significant problem in heart failure (HF). There is considerable heterogeneity in symptom burden, particularly in the vulnerable transition period after a hospitalization for HF, and the biological underpinnings of symptoms during transitions are unclear. The purpose of this article is to describe the background and design of a study that addresses these knowledge gaps, entitled Biological and Physiological Mechanisms of Symptom Clusters in Heart Failure (BIOMES-HF). METHODS AND RESULTS: BIOMES-HF is a prospective gender- and age-balanced longitudinal study of 240 adults during the 6-month transition period after a HF hospitalization. The aims are to (1) identify clusters of change in physical symptoms, (2) quantify longitudinal associations between biomarkers and physical symptoms, and (3) quantify longitudinal associations between physical frailty and physical symptoms among adults with HF. We will measure multiple symptoms, biomarkers, and physical frailty at discharge and then at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after hospitalization. We will use growth mixture modeling and longitudinal mediation modeling to examine changes in symptoms, biomarkers, and physical frailty after HF hospitalization and associations therein. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative study will advance HF symptom science by using a multibiomarker panel and the physical frailty phenotype to capture the multifaceted nature of HF. Using advanced quantitative modeling, we will characterize heterogeneity and identify potential mechanisms of symptoms in HF. As a result, this research will pinpoint amenable targets for intervention to provide better, individualized treatment to improve symptom burden in HF. LAY SUMMARY: Adults with heart failure may have significant symptom burden. This study is designed to shed light on our understanding of the role of biological and physiological mechanisms in explaining heart failure symptoms, particularly groups of co-occurring symptoms, over time. We explore how symptoms, biomarkers, and physical frailty change after a heart failure hospitalization. The knowledge generated from this study will be used to guide the management and self-care for adults with heart failure.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on experiences and perceptions of nurse graduates.

BACKGROUND: Transitioning from education to practice is stressful for new nurses and those entering new roles and can lead to workforce attrition and burnout. This dynamic is likely complicated when graduates are transitioning to practice during a pandemic. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe recent nurse graduates' perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their transition from education to practice. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of BSN, RN-BSN, and DNP students who graduated between December 2019 and April 2020 (n = 82), including demographics, employment information, and free-response questions about the impact of the pandemic on their transition experiences, post-graduation plans, and perceptions of nursing. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to content analysis to synthesize and summarize the data. RESULTS: Participants expressed three overarching concerns: 1) altered plans such as difficulty finding employment; 2) logistical, system-related stressors including licensing delays and chaotic onboarding; and 3) feeling pride in profession despite perceiving ambivalence in public discourse. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 exacerbated challenges often experienced by new graduates. Common stressors, intensified during the pandemic, could exert long-term effects on the workforce. Educators and healthcare organizations must work to ensure nursing graduates receive the necessary support for a successful transition.

Characterizing Sex Differences in Physical Frailty Phenotypes in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Although women with heart failure (HF) are potentially more likely to be physically frail compared with men with HF, the underlying contributors to this sex difference are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize sex differences in physical frailty phenotypes in HF. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled adults with class I-IV HF. Physical frailty was measured with the frailty phenotype criteria. Symptoms of dyspnea, sleep-related impairment, pain interference, depression, and anxiety were assessed. Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Simple comparative statistics and stepwise regression modeling were used. RESULTS: The average age of the sample (n=115) was 63.6±15.7 years, 49% were women, and 73% had nonischemic cause. Forty-three percent of the sample was physically frail. Women had a 4.6 times greater odds of being physically frail compared with men, adjusting for covariates (odds ratio=4.63 [95% CI, 1.81-11.84], P=0.001). Both physically frail men and women were characterized by more type 2 diabetes, higher comorbidity burden, and worse dyspnea symptoms. Physically frail women had significantly worse symptoms compared with non-physically frail women but no difference in body composition characteristics. Physically frail men had significantly lower appendicular muscle mass, higher percent fat, lower hemoglobin, and more depressive symptoms compared with non-physically frail men. CONCLUSIONS: Women are significantly more likely to be physically frail compared with men in HF. Physical frailty in both women and men is characterized by comorbidities and worse symptoms; physical frailty in men is characterized by worse physiological characteristics.

Exploring gender differences in trajectories of clinical markers and symptoms after left ventricular assist device implantation.

AIMS: Despite well-known gender differences in heart failure, it is unknown if clinical markers and symptoms differ between women and men after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Our aim was to examine gender differences in trajectories of clinical markers (echocardiographic markers and plasma biomarkers) and symptoms from pre- to post-LVAD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected from a study of patients from pre- to 1, 3, and 6 months post-LVAD implantation. Data were collected on left ventricular internal end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and ejection fraction (LVEF), plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity (sST2). Physical and depressive symptoms were measured using the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Latent growth curve modelling was used to compare trajectories between women and men. The average age of the sample (n = 98) was 53.3 ± 13.8 years, and most were male (80.6%) and had non-ischaemic aetiology (65.3%). Pre-implantation, women had significantly narrower LVIDd (P < 0.001) and worse physical symptoms (P = 0.041) compared with men. Between pre- and 6 months post-implantation, women had an increase in plasma sST2 followed by a decrease, whereas men had an overall decrease (slope: P = 0.014; quadratic: P = 0.011). Between 1 and 6 months post-implantation, women had a significantly greater increase in LVEF (P = 0.045) but lesser decline in plasmoa NT-proBNP compared with men (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Trajectories of clinical markers differed somewhat between women and men, but trajectories of symptoms were similar, indicating some physiologic but not symptomatic gender differences in response to LVAD.

Cross-classification of physical and affective symptom clusters and 180-day event-free survival in moderate to advanced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical and affective symptom clusters in heart failure (HF) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To identify associations between physical and affective symptom clusters in HF and to quantify outcomes and determinants of symptom subgroups. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from two cohort studies among adults with HF. Physical and affective symptom clusters were compared using cross-classification modeling. Cox proportional hazards modeling and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify outcomes and determinants of symptom subgroups, respectively. RESULTS: In this young, mostly male sample (n = 274), physical and affective symptom clusters were cross-classified in a model with acceptable fit. Three symptom subgroups were identified: congruent-mild (69.3%), incongruent (13.9%), and congruent-severe (16.8%). Compared to the congruent-mild symptom group, the incongruent symptom group had significantly worse 180-day event-free survival. CONCLUSION: Congruence between physical and affective symptom clusters should be considered when identifying patients at higher risk for poor outcomes.

Sympathetic Markers are Different Between Clinical Responders and Nonresponders After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical response to left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), as measured by health-related quality of life, varies among patients after implantation; however, it is unknown which pathophysiological mechanisms underlie differences in clinical response by health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in sympathetic markers (ß-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 [ßARK1], norepinephrine [NE], and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol [DHPG]) between health-related quality of life clinical responders and nonresponders from pre- to post-LVAD implantation. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis on a subset of data from a cohort study of patients from pre- to 1, 3, and 6 months after LVAD implantation. Clinical response was defined as an increase of 5 points or higher on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary score from pre- to 6 months post-LVAD implantation. We measured plasma ßARK1 level with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and plasma NE and DHPG levels with high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Latent growth curve modeling was used to compare the trajectories of markers between groups. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the sample (n = 39) was 52.9 (13.2) years, and most were male (74.4%) and received LVADs as bridge to transplantation (69.2%). Preimplantation plasma ßARK1 levels were significantly higher in clinical responders (n = 19) than in nonresponders (n = 20) (P = .001), but change was similar after LVAD (P = .235). Preimplantation plasma DHPG levels were significantly lower in clinical responders than in nonresponders (P = .002), but the change was similar after LVAD (P = .881). There were no significant differences in plasma NE levels. CONCLUSIONS: Preimplantation ßARK1 and DHPG levels are differentiating factors between health-related quality of life clinical responders and nonresponders to LVAD, potentially signaling differing levels of sympathetic stimulation underlying clinical response.

Device-detected congestion is associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Congestion is a common cause of symptoms in heart failure (HF). Yet, intrathoracic impedance, an objective marker of cardiopulmonary congestion, has not been examined in relation to HF symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether device-detected cardiopulmonary congestion is a predictor of physical and psychological symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with HF over 3 months. METHODS: Multivariate generalized linear modeling was used to quantify the association of cardiopulmonary congestion (Optivol® Index exceeding 60 Ω threshold) with HRQOL (12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and both physical symptoms (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale; HF Somatic Perception Scale Dyspnea and Early & Subtle Symptoms subscales) and affective symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; 6-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety Scale). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample (n = 49) was 62years old, 39% were women, and 63% had NYHA class III/IV HF. Participants who experienced threshold crossings in the previous 90days reported on average, 130% higher dyspnea (p = 0.017; confidence interval (CI) 10.2%, 437%), 40% higher early & subtle symptoms (p = 0.029; CI 3.4%, 89.7%), 106% higher depressive symptoms (p = 0.003; CI 19.1%, 257%) and 40% higher anxiety (p = 0.028; CI 3.7%, 89.1%). Threshold crossings in the previous 90days were also significantly associated with a clinically meaningful decrease in HRQOL (ß = -16.16 ±â€¯6.32; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathoracic impedance measured with the Optivol Index can provide additional information regarding the patient experience of hallmark physical and psychological HF symptoms and HRQOL over 3months.

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 the relationship between ß-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 and physical symptoms in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical heart failure (HF) symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between plasma ß-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 (ßARK1) and physical symptoms among adults with HF. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected from two studies of adults with HF. Plasma ßARK1 was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS). Generalized linear modeling was used to quantify the relationship between ßARK1 and HFSPS scores. RESULTS: The average age (n = 94) was 54.5 ± 13.1 years, 76.6% were male, and a majority (83.0%) had Class III or IV HF. ßARK1 was significantly associated with HFSPS scores (ß = 0.22 ± 0.10, p = 0.038), adjusting for other predictors of physical symptoms (model R2 = 0.250, F(7, 70) = 3.34, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Higher ßARK1 is associated with worse physical HF symptoms, pinpointing a potential pathophysiologic underpinning.

Patient and Caregiver Determinants of Patient Quality of Life and Caregiver Strain in Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines emphasize the importance of social support to the success of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, few studies examine the influence of the caregiver on patient outcomes or quantify the impact of LVAD caregiving on caregiver outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to identify patient and caregiver determinants of patient quality of life (QOL) and caregiver strain in response to LVAD therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on patients receiving LVAD therapy and their caregivers (n=50 dyads) were prospectively collected pre-implantation and 1, 3, and 6 months post-implantation. Growth curve modeling was used to describe change in patient QOL (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and caregiver strain (Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index). Patient QOL improved most in the first month (ß=23.22±3.76, P<0.001), followed by gradual gains over 6 months (ß=1.90±0.64, P<0.01). Caregivers experienced worsening of strain in the first month (ß=4.30±1.42, P<0.01), followed by gradual resolution to pre-implantation levels by 6 months (ß=-0.71±0.23, P<0.01). Worse pre-implantation patient symptoms were associated with greater improvement in patient QOL (ß=0.53±0.19, P<0.01) but worsening caregiver strain (ß=0.15±0.07, P=0.04). Better relationship quality was associated with greater improvement in patient QOL (ß=14.39±5.85, P=0.01) and less pre-implantation caregiver strain (ß=-9.31±2.28, P<0.001). Nonspousal caregivers experienced less pre-implantation strain (ß=-8.60±3.10, P=0.01), and patients with nonspousal caregivers had less improvement in QOL (ß=-3.70±1.62, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of patient and caregiver characteristics predicts patient and caregiver response to LVAD therapy. Including caregiver factors in future studies may be helpful in developing interventions that improve patient and caregiver outcomes, together.

Patterns of heart failure symptoms are associated with self-care behaviors over 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Both heart failure symptoms and self-care are associated with patient outcomes. Although it is thought that symptoms drive self-care, there is limited evidence to support this assumption over time. AIMS: To determine whether patterns of physical symptoms are significantly associated with heart failure self-care over time. METHOD: Latent mixture analysis was used to identify subgroups based on physical symptoms of dyspnea, sleepiness and edema (using the heart failure somatic perception and Epworth sleepiness scales). Growth modeling was used to determine if symptom subgroups were associated with self-care behaviors (using the self-care in heart failure index) over 6 months. Sociodemographic and clinical variables predicting the likelihood of subgroup membership were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample ( n=146) was on average 57 years old, 70% were men and 59% had class III/IV heart failure. Two symptom subgroups were identified (entropy 0.91): a high symptom group ( n=24; 16%) with no significant change in symptoms over time (high sustained), and a low symptom group ( n=122; 84%) with no significant change in symptoms over time (low sustained). The high sustained group was associated significantly with better self-care behaviors at baseline and over 6 months. Women (odds ratio (OR) 3.67, P=0.023) and patients with more depressive symptoms (OR 1.16, P=0.015) were more likely to be in the high sustained symptom group. Those treated with a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system agent were less likely to be in the high symptom group (OR 0.17, P=0.015). CONCLUSION: Patients bothered more by symptoms are consistently more engaged in self-care behaviors over time. The results of this study support symptoms as an important driver of self-care behaviors.

The Role of Dyadic Confidence on Engagement in Heart Failure Care Behaviors.

Background and Objectives: Increasingly, older adults and their families are expected to manage complex conditions with little support. In the case of heart failure (HF), symptom monitoring and management are critical in preventing acute exacerbations and poor clinical outcomes. The current study examined the role of dyadic confidence on engagement in HF care behaviors by patients and their spouses. Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine 60 couples living with HF. Three dyadic confidence variables were created to represent average level of confidence, gap in confidence, and direction of gap within each couple. A series of multilevel models were used to examine dyadic engagement in HF maintenance, management, and consulting behaviors and the role of dyadic confidence. Results: Patients were significantly more engaged in HF maintenance behaviors than spouses; couples were more collaborative in their engagement in HF management and consulting behaviors. Average level of confidence in the dyad was significantly associated with patient engagement in all three HF behaviors. Spouse engagement was associated with more congruence in confidence and having higher levels of confidence than their partners with HF. Women were significantly more engaged in HF behaviors than men, regardless of role. Discussion and Implications: The study employed a dyadic approach to HF care and a novel approach to confidence. Findings confirm the social nature of confidence and its important role in HF. Clinicians have opportunities to optimize patient outcomes by fostering greater collaboration within couples.

Implant Strategy-Specific Changes in Symptoms in Response to Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

BACKGROUND: Although we know that the quality of life generally improves after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, we know little about how symptoms change in response to LVAD. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in symptoms between bridge and destination therapy patients as part of a prospective cohort study. Physical (dyspnea and wake disturbances) and affective symptoms (depression and anxiety) were measured before LVAD and at 1, 3, and 6 months after LVAD. Multiphase growth modeling was used to capture the 2 major phases of change: initial improvements between preimplant and 1 month after LVAD and subsequent improvements between 1 and 6 months after LVAD. RESULTS: The sample included 64 bridge and 22 destination therapy patients as the preimplant strategy. Destination patients had worse preimplant dyspnea and wake disturbances, and they experienced greater initial improvements in these symptoms compared with bridge patients (all P < .05); subsequent change in both symptoms were similar between groups (both P > .05). Destination patients had worse preimplant depression (P = .042) but experienced similar initial and subsequent improvements in depression in response to LVAD compared with bridge patients (both P > .05). Destination patients had similar preimplant anxiety (P = .279) but experienced less initial and greater subsequent improvements in anxiety after LVAD compared with bridge patients (both P < .05). CONCLUSION: There are many differences in the magnitude and timing of change in symptom responses to LVAD between bridge and destination therapy patients. Detailed information on changes in specific symptoms may better inform shared decision-making regarding LVAD.