Placing patient-reported outcomes at the centre of cardiovascular clinical practice: implications for quality of care and management.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide important insights into patients' own perspectives about their health and medical condition, and there is evidence that their use can lead to improvements in the quality of care and to better-informed clinical decisions. Their application in cardiovascular populations has grown over the past decades. This statement describes what PROs are, and it provides an inventory of disease-specific and domain-specific PROs that have been developed for cardiovascular populations. International standards and quality indices have been published, which can guide the selection of PROs for clinical practice and in clinical trials and research; patients as well as experts in psychometrics should be involved in choosing which are most appropriate. Collaborations are needed to define criteria for using PROs to guide regulatory decisions, and the utility of PROs for comparing and monitoring the quality of care and for allocating resources should be evaluated. New sources for recording PROs include wearable digital health devices, medical registries, and electronic health record. Advice is given for the optimal use of PROs in shared clinical decision-making in cardiovascular medicine, and concerning future directions for their wider application.

Detection of delirium in older patients-A point prevalence study in surgical and non-surgical hospital wards.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To (i) determine the prevalence of delirium and identify delirium subtypes in surgical and non-surgical patients aged ≥65 years, (ii) determine whether certain precipitating factors affect the prevalence of delirium and (iii) review patients' medical records for description of delirium symptoms and the presence of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) coding for delirium in discharge summaries. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN AND JUSTIFICATIONS: Despite being a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults, delirium might be inadequately recognised and under-reported in patients' medical records and discharge summaries. A point prevalence study (24-h) of patients ≥65 years from surgical and non-surgical wards was therefore conducted in a tertiary university hospital. ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL: The study was approved by the Data Protection Officer at the university hospital (2018/3454). RESEARCH METHODS, INSTRUMENTS AND/OR INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assessed for delirium with 4AT and delirium subtypes with the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale. Information about room transfers, need and use of sensory aids and medical equipment was collected onsite. Patients' medical records were reviewed for description of delirium symptoms and of ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: Overall, 123 patients were screened (52% female). Delirium was identified in 27% of them. Prevalence was associated with advanced age (≥85 years). The uncharacterised delirium subtype was most common (36%), followed by hypoactive (30%), hyperactive (24%) and mixed (9%). There were significant associations between positive screening tests and the need and use of sensory aids. Delirium symptoms were described in 58% of the patients who tested positive for delirium and the ICD-10 code for delirium was registered in 12% of these patients' discharge summaries. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of delirium and limited use of discharge codes highlight the need to improve the identification of delirium in hospital settings and at discharge. Increased awareness and detection of delirium in hospital settings are vital to improve patient care.

Discharge Information About Adverse Drug Reactions Indicates Lower Self-Reported Adverse Drug Reactions and Fewer Concerns in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

AIM: There are discrepancies between the information patients desire about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the information they receive from healthcare providers; this is an impediment to shared decision-making. This study aimed to establish whether patients received information about ADRs resulting from prescribed pharmacotherapy, before hospital discharge, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to determine whether receiving information about ADRs was associated with incidence of self-reported ADRs or concerns related to prescribed pharmacotherapy. METHODS: CONCARDPCI, a prospective multicentre cohort study including 3,417 consecutive patients after PCI, was conducted at seven high-volume referral PCI centres in two Nordic countries. Clinical data were collected from patients' medical records and national quality registries. Patient-reported outcome measures were registered 2 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after discharge. Covariate-adjusted logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: At discharge, 38% of participants had been informed about potential ADRs. For these patients, the incidence of self-reported ADRs was significantly lower at T1 (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.50-0.74; p<0.001), T2 (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49-0.74; p<0.001), and T3 (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46-0.71; p<0.001). Those who were not informed reported higher levels of concern about prescribed pharmacotherapy at all measuring points (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Those living alone (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.92; p=0.008), who were female (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44-0.72; p<0.001), and with three or more versus no comorbidities (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.84; p=0.002) were less likely to receive information. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients were not informed about potential ADRs from prescribed pharmacotherapy after PCI. Patients informed about ADRs had lower incidences of self-reported ADRs and fewer concerns about prescribed pharmacotherapy.

Aiming toWards Evidence baSed inTerpretation of Cardiac biOmarkers in patients pResenting with chest pain using Point of Care Testing (WESTCOR-POC): study design.

OBJECTIVES: Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) contribute to a high workload and overcrowding in the Emergency Department (ED). Accelerated diagnostic protocols for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction have proved challenging to implement. One obstacle is the turnaround time for analyzing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn). In the WESTCOR-POC study (Clinical Trials number NCT05354804) we aim to evaluate safety and efficiency of a 0/1 h hs-cTn algorithm utilizing a hs-cTnI point of care (POC) instrument in comparison to central laboratory hs-cTnT measurements. DESIGN: This is a prospective single-center randomized clinical trial aiming to include 1500 patients admitted to the ED with symptoms suggestive of ACS. Patients will receive standard investigations following the European Society of Cardiology 0/1h protocols for centralized hs-cTnT measurements or the intervention using a 0/1h POC hs-cTnI algorithm. Primary end-points are 1) Safety; death, myocardial infarction or acute revascularization within 30 days 2) Efficiency; length of stay in the ED, 3) Cost- effectiveness; total episode cost, 4) Patient satisfaction, 5) Patient symptom burden and 6) Patients quality of life. Secondary outcomes are 12-months death, myocardial infarction or acute revascularization, percentage discharged after 3 and 6 h, total length of hospital stay and all costs related to hospital contact within 12 months. CONCLUSION: Results from this study may facilitate implementation of POC hs-cTn testing assays and accelerated diagnostic protocols in EDs, and may serve as a valuable resource for guiding future investigations for the use of POC high sensitivity troponin assays in outpatient clinics and prehospital settings.

An interdisciplinary intervention for children and adolescents with multiple referrals and complex health complaints: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with complex health complaints are often referred to several different healthcare specialists for assessments and treatment. This may result in fragmented care, higher risks of medical errors, and sub-optimal health outcomes. The aim of this non-controlled open label trial was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a new interdisciplinary intervention for children and adolescents with multiple referrals and complex health complaints and to gather experiences from participating children, adolescents and parents. METHODS: In all, 47 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years with multiple referrals at a tertiary hospital were invited to participate. The intervention was a half-day consultation based on a biopsychosocial model. The aim of the intervention was to clarify the child/adolescent's condition(s) and provide a joint understanding and treatment plan in collaboration with the family. A team consisting of a pediatrician, a physiotherapist and a psychologist delivered the intervention. Acceptance and completion rate was recorded, and child- and parent-experience measures were collected; the children and adolescents completed the Visual Consultation and Relational Empathy Scale (CARE) five questions and parents completed two de novo created measures about their experiences. RESULTS: Almost all invited families consented to participate (96%) and ultimately received the interdisciplinary intervention (92%). Mean age of the children and adolescents was 12 years, and under half were boys (40%). Before the intervention, 39 (91%) parents completed a questionnaire about previous experiences with healthcare. After the consultation 39 children and adolescents (91%) and 40 (93%) parents completed the questionnaire regarding their experience with the interdisciplinary intervention. Of the children and adolescents, 18-30 (47-77%) rated relational empathy in the intervention as "Very good" or "Excellent". Of the parents, 35-39 (92-100%) rated their experience with the consultation using the more positive response options. The parents were significantly more content with the intervention compared to previously received healthcare (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The present intervention was highly acceptable with positively reported experiences from parents of, and children and adolescents with, complex health complaints. A future randomized controlled trial is required to test the effectiveness of this intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04652154 03.12.2020. Retrospectively registered.

Anxiety and depression in patients aged 80 years and older following aortic valve therapy. A six-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about mental health following advanced cardiac procedures in the oldest patients. AIMS: To study changes in anxiety and depression from baseline to one- and six-month follow-up in older patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients ≥ 80 years undergoing elective TAVI or SAVR in a tertiary university hospital. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Differences between TAVI/SAVR were analyzed using Welch's t test or chi-squared. Changes over time and group differences were established with longitudinal models using generalized least squares. RESULTS: In 143 patients (83.5 ± 2.7 years), 46% (n = 65) received TAVI. Anxiety was identified in 11% of TAVI patients at baseline. One- and six-months later, percentages were 8% and 9%. In SAVR patients, 18% had baseline scores indicating anxiety. One and six-months later, percentages were 11% and 9%. Depression was identified in 15% of TAVI patients. One- and six-months later, percentages were 11% and 17%. At baseline, 11% of SAVR patients had scores indicating depression. One- and six-months after SAVR, percentages were 15% and 12%. Longitudinal analyses showed reductions (P < 0.001) in anxiety from baseline to one-month, and stable scores between one- and six-months for both treatment groups. There was no change over time for depression among treatment groups (P = 0.21). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: SAVR or TAVI in patients ≥ 80 years was associated with anxiety reduction between baseline and follow-up. For depression, there was no evidence of change over time in either treatment group.

Frailty Status and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Octogenarians Following Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Frailty status and patient-reported outcomes are especially pertinent in octogenarians following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) to guide treatment decisions and promote patient-centred care. AIM: We aimed to determine if frailty changed 6 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in octogenarians, and to describe changes in self-rated health according to frailty status in patients who underwent TAVI or SAVR. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study, frailty and self-rated health were measured one day prior to and 6 months after AVR. Frailty status was measured with the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture index. Self-rated health was measured comprehensively with the disease-specific Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, the generic Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12 questionnaire (SF-12), and two global questions from The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Abbreviated. RESULTS: Data were available for 143 consecutive patients (mean age 83±2.7 years, 57% women; 45% underwent TAVI). At baseline, 34% were robust, 27% prefrail, and 39% frail. Overall, there was no change in the distribution of frailty status 6 months after baseline (p=0.13). However, on an individual level 65 patients changed frailty status after AVR (40 patients improved and 25 declined). Improvement in frailty status was common in prefrail (33%; n=13) and frail patients (48%; n=27). Patients had improved self-rated health after AVR, with significant differences between frailty states both at baseline (SF-12 physical: 37.4 [robust], 33.1 [prefrail], 31.6 [frail], p=0.03); SF-12 mental: 51.9 [robust], 50.8 [prefrail], 44.5 [frail], p<0.001); and at the 6-month follow-up (SF-12 physical: 45.4 [robust], 38.3 [prefrail], 32.1 [frail], p<0.001); SF-12 mental: 54.9 [robust], 49.6 [prefrail], 46.8 [frail], p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced treatment performed in a high-risk population allowed people to improve their self-rated health. Although frailty is associated with poor self-rated health, frailty status does not equal negative outcomes. The frail patients were those who improved most in self-rated physical and mental health. They had the lowest baseline self-rated health scores and had therefore the most to gain.

Continuity of care and its associations with self-reported health, clinical characteristics and follow-up services after percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIMS: Complexity of care in patients with coronary artery disease is increasing, due to ageing, improved treatment, and more specialised care. Patients receive care from various healthcare providers in many settings. Still, few studies have evaluated continuity of care across primary and secondary care levels for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to determine multifaceted aspects of continuity of care and associations with socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported health, clinical characteristics and follow-up services for patients after PCI. METHODS: This multi-centre prospective cohort study collected data at baseline and two-month follow-up from medical records, national registries and patient self-reports. Univariable and hierarchical regressions were performed using the Heart Continuity of Care Questionnaire total score as the dependent variable. RESULTS: In total, 1695 patients were included at baseline, and 1318 (78%) completed the two-month follow-up. Patients stated not being adequately informed about lifestyle changes, medication and follow-up care. Those experiencing poorer health status after PCI scored significantly worse on continuity of care. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction scored significantly better on informational and management continuity than those with other cardiac diagnoses. The regression analyses showed significantly better continuity (P ≤ 0.034) in patients who were male, received written information from hospital, were transferred to another hospital before discharge, received follow-up from their general practitioner or had sufficient consultation time after discharge from hospital. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for sub-optimal continuity were identified. These factors are important to patients, healthcare providers and policy makers. Action should be taken to educate patients, reconcile discharge plans and organise post-discharge services. Designing pathways with an interdisciplinary approach and shared responsibility between healthcare settings is recommended.

How can we improve specialist health services for children with multi-referrals? Parent reported experience.

BACKGROUND: Children with combined mental and somatic conditions pose a challenge to specialized health services. These cases are often characterized by multi-referrals, frequent use of health services, poor clinical and cost effectiveness, and a lack of coordination and consistency in the care. Reorganizing the health services offered to these children seems warranted. Patient reported experiences give important evidence for evaluating and developing health services. The aim of the present descriptive study was to explore how to improve specialist health services for children with multiple referrals for somatic and mental health conditions. Based on parent reported experiences of health services, we attempted to identify key areas of improvement. METHODS: As part of a larger, ongoing project; "Transitioning patients' Trajectories", we asked parents of children with multiple referrals to both somatic and mental health departments to provide their experiences with the services their children received. Parents/guardians of 250 children aged 6-12 years with multi-referrals to the Departments of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Haukeland University Hospital between 2013 and 2015 were invited. Their experience was collected through a 14 items questionnaire based on a generic questionnaire supplied with questions from parents and health personnel. Possible associations between overall experience and possible predictors were analyzed using bivariate regression. RESULTS: Of the 250 parents invited, 148 (59%) responded. Mean scores on single items ranged from 3.18 to 4.42 on a 1-5 scale, where five is the best possible experience. In the multiple regression model, perception of wait time (r = .56, CI = .44-.69 / ß = 0.16, CI = .05-.28), accommodation of consultations (r = .71, CI = .62-.80 / ß = 0.25, CI = .06-.45 / ß = 0.27, CI = .09-.44), providing adequate information about the following treatment (r = .66, CI = .55-.77 / ß = 0.26, CI = .09-.43), and collaboration between different departments at the hospital (r = .68, CI = .57-.78 / ß = 0.20, CI = -.01-.40) were all statistically significantly associated with parents overall experience of care. CONCLUSIONS: The study support tailored interdisciplinary innovations targeting wait time, accommodation of consultations, communication regarding the following treatment and collaboration within specialist health services for children with multi-referrals to somatic and mental specialist health care services.

Psychometric Properties of the Norwegian Version of the Electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) Among Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Cross-Sectional Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Web-based technology has recently become an important source for sharing health information with patients after an acute cardiac event. Therefore, consideration of patients' perceived electronic health (eHealth) literacy skills is crucial for improving the delivery of patient-centered health information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) to conditions in Norway, and to determine its psychometric properties. More specifically, we set out to determine the reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and construct validity (structural validity, hypotheses testing, and cross-cultural validity) of the eHEALS in self-report format administered to patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: The original English version of the eHEALS was translated into Norwegian following a widely used cross-cultural adaptation process. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach α. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed for a priori-specified 1-, 2-, and 3-factor models. Demographic, health-related internet use, health literacy, and health status information was collected to examine correlations with eHEALS scores. RESULTS: A total of 1695 patients after percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the validation analysis. The mean age was 66 years, and the majority of patients were men (1313, 77.46%). Cronbach α for the eHEALS was >.99. The corresponding Cronbach α for the 2-week retest was .94. The test-retest ICC for eHEALS was 0.605 (95% CI 0.419-0.743, P<.001). The CFA showed a modest model fit for the 1- and 2-factor models (root mean square error of approximation>0.06). After modifications in the 3-factor model, all of the goodness-of-fit indices indicated a good fit. There was a weak correlation with age (r=-0.206). Between-groups analysis of variance showed a difference according to educational groups and the eHEALS score, with a mean difference ranging from 2.24 (P=.002) to 4.61 (P<.001), and a higher eHEALS score was found for patients who were employed compared to those who were retired (mean difference 2.31, P<.001). The eHEALS score was also higher among patients who reported using the internet to find health information (95% CI -21.40 to -17.21, P<.001), and there was a moderate correlation with the patients' perceived usefulness (r=0.587) and importance (r=0.574) of using the internet for health information. There were also moderate correlations identified between the eHEALS score and the health literacy domains appraisal of health information (r=0.380) and ability to find good health information (r=0.561). Weak correlations with the mental health composite score (r=0.116) and physical health composite score (r=0.116) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information on the psychometric properties of the eHEALS for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention, suggesting a multidimensional rather than unidimensional construct. However, the study also indicated a redundancy of items, indicating the need for further validation studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03810612; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03810612.

Cardiovascular nurses' adherence to practice standards in in-hospital telemetry monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Correct electrode placement and proper skin preparation for cardiac telemetry monitoring of patients at risk for arrhythmias increase the quality of the arrhythmic surveillance. Inconsistent arrhythmia surveillance can compromise patient safety and care outcomes. An inspection of international literature demonstrates that nurses generally do not adhere to cardiac monitoring standards. AIM: The aims of this study were to determine cardiovascular nurses' knowledge of and adherence to practice standards for cardiac surveillance and whether their knowledge and practice improves over time. STUDY DESIGN: A comparative study design was applied, and data were obtained by survey methodology. METHODS: Nurse delegates at the Annual National Congress on Cardiovascular Nursing in Norway completed surveys in 2011 and 2017 (delegates from 44 and 38 hospitals, respectively). RESULTS: In total, 363 cardiac nurses (70%) responded to the questionnaires. Of these, 95% were female, with a mean age of 41 years. In 2011, 97% of participants were unaware of international practice standards. However, by 2017 unawareness decreased to 78% (P < .001). Despite their lack of knowledge of practice standards, 94% of participants often or always prepared patients' skin for telemetry; this improved from 2011 to 2017 (P = .001). Overall, 73% of nurses never or seldom scrubbed or washed the patients' skin before electrode placement, and 38% of the electrodes were misplaced. In 2011, 49% of nurses used protective telemetry covers; this increased to 80% in 2017 (P < .001). Overall, 64% always informed patients of the purpose of cardiac monitoring. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of nurses fail to adhere to recommendations for electrode placement, skin preparation and providing patients with telemetry information. In order to raise the quality of arrhythmic surveillance, investment in educational programmes in cardiac telemetry monitoring is required. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Improved in-hospital telemetry practice is required to ensure patient safety and better care outcomes.

Adaptation and psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the heart continuity of care questionnaire (HCCQ).

BACKGROUND: Continuity of cardiac care after hospital discharge is a priority, especially as healthcare systems become increasingly complex and fragmented. There are few available instruments to measure continuity of cardiac care, especially from the patient perspective. The aim of this study was (1) to translate and adapt the Heart Continuity of Care Questionnaire (HCCQ) to conditions in Norway, and (2) to determine its psychometric properties in self-report format administered to patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: The HCCQ was first translated into Norwegian from the original English version, following a widely used cross-cultural adaptation process. Data were collected before hospital discharge and in a follow-up after 2 months. To assess psychometric properties, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed and three aspects of construct validity were evaluated: structural validity, hypotheses testing and cross-cultural validation. Internal consistency of the HCCQ subscales was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, while intra-class correlation (ICC) was used to assess test-retest reliability. Additionally, socio-demographic and patient-reported data were collected to correlate with HCCQ scores. RESULTS: Of those included at baseline, 436 (76%) completed the questionnaires after 2 months. CFA suggested that the fit of the HCCQ data to a 3-factor model was modest (RMSEA = 0.11, CFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.90). However, convergent validity was satisfactory, based on existing research. Internal consistency was good, as indicated by its Cronbach's alphas: total continuity of care (0.95); informational (0.93), relational (0.87), and management (0.89) continuity. The ICC for the total HCCQ score was 0.80 (95% CI [0.71, 0.87] p < 0.001). As indicated by negative care experiences (rated as 1 or 2 on the five-point scale), patients seemed to have limited knowledge about medical treatment, lifestyle modification and follow-up after PCI. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation and longer consultations with the general practitioner after hospital discharge were positively correlated with better continuity of care. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the HCCQ will likely support healthcare providers and researchers in identifying problem areas of continuity of cardiac care and in evaluating interventions aimed at improving continuity of care.

Modes of e-Health delivery in secondary prevention programmes for patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Electronic health (e-Health) interventions are emerging as an effective alternative model for improving secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of different modes of delivery and components in e-Health secondary prevention programmes on adherence to treatment, modifiable CAD risk factors and psychosocial outcomes for patients with CAD. METHOD: A systematic review was carried out based on articles found in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase. Studies evaluating secondary prevention e-Health programmes provided through mobile-Health (m-Health), web-based technology or a combination of m-Health and web-based technology were eligible. The main outcomes measured were adherence to treatment, modifiable CAD risk factors and psychosocial outcomes. The quality appraisal of the studies included was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for RCT. The results were synthesised narratively. RESULT: A total of 4834 titles were identified and 1350 were screened for eligibility. After reviewing 123 articles in full, 24 RCTs including 3654 participants with CAD were included. Eight studies delivered secondary prevention programmes through m-Health, nine through web-based technology, and seven studies used a combination of m-Health and web-based technology. The majority of studies employed two or three secondary prevention components, of which health education was employed in 21 studies. The m-Health programmes reported positive effects on adherence to medication. Most studies evaluating web-based technology programmes alone or in combination with m-Health also utilised traditional CR, and reported improved modifiable CAD risk factors. The quality appraisal showed a moderate methodological quality of the studies. CONCLUSION: Evidence exists that supports the use of e-Health interventions for improving secondary prevention of CAD. However, a comparison across studies highlighted a wide variability of components and outcomes within the different modes of delivery. High quality trials are needed to define the most efficient mode of delivery and components capable of addressing a favourable outcome for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Malignant and Benign Phenotypes of Multimorbidity in Heart Failure: Implications for Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: The impact of different patterns of multimorbidity in heart failure (HF) on health outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that, independent of the extent of comorbidity, there are distinctive phenotypes of multimorbidity that convey an increased risk for premature mortality in patients hospitalized with HF. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical profile and health outcomes of 787 patients hospitalized with HF participating in a multidisciplinary HF management program with a minimum 12-month follow-up. A Classification and Regression Tree model was applied to explore the distinctive combinations of 10 most prevalent concurrent conditions (other than coronary artery disease and hypertension) associated with 12-month all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 74 (12) years (59% men), and 65% had left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Most patients (88%) had 3 or more comorbid conditions, with a mean of 4.3 concurrent conditions in addition to HF. A total of 248 patients (32%) died (median, 663 [IQR, 492-910] days), including 142 deaths (18%) within 12 months. Patients with concurrent dysrhythmia, anemia, and respiratory disease experienced significantly higher 12-month all-cause mortality than those without these conditions (36.1% vs 3.6%, respectively; hazard ratio, 6.1 [95% confidence interval, 2.0-19.1]). Overall, this "malignant" phenotype of multimorbidity was associated with not only a markedly increased risk of all-cause mortality but also more unplanned readmissions, longer inpatient stays, and highest costs in the short (30-day) and longer terms when compared with more "benign" phenotypes of multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: We found a differential pattern of health outcomes according to pattern of comorbidity present in older patients hospitalized with HF and exposed to postdischarge, multidisciplinary management.

Sleepless nights and sleepy days: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of patients with chronic heart failure and newly verified sleep-disordered breathing.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea and central sleep apnoea, is a common disorder among patients with chronic heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnoea is often treated with continuous positive airway pressure, but central sleep apnoea lacks a clear treatment option. Knowledge of how sleep-disordered breathing is experienced (e.g. difficulties and care needs) and handled (e.g. self-care actions) by the patients is limited, but needed, to provide patient-centred care. AIM: To explore how newly verified sleep-disordered breathing is experienced by patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Seventeen participants (14 men, three women), mean age 60 years (range 41-80) diagnosed with chronic heart failure and objectively verified sleep-disordered breathing (nine obstructive, seven central and one mixed) were strategically selected from heart failure outpatient clinics at two Norwegian university hospitals. RESULTS: Patients with chronic heart failure and newly verified sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) described experiences of poor sleep that had consequences for their daily life and their partners. Different self-care strategies were revealed, but they were based on 'common sense' and were not evidence-based. The awareness of having SDB was varied; for some, it gave an explanation to their trouble while others were surprised by the finding. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing experienced reduced sleep quality, influencing their daily life. Possible underlying causes of disrupted sleep, such as sleep-disordered breathing, should be identified to establish proper patient-centred treatment strategies. There is a need for new strategies to approach patients with chronic heart failure (i.e. those with central sleep apnoea) who are not subject to continuous positive airway pressure treatment for their sleep-disordered breathing.

"Eight Days of Nightmares " - Octogenarian Patients' Experiences of Postoperative Delirium after Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are increasingly performed in octogenarian patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), including those with high surgical risk. Postoperative delirium (PD) is a common and serious complication in older patients, characterised by reduced awareness, change in consciousness, disturbance in logical thinking and hallucinations. METHODS: To explore how octogenarian patients experienced PD, a qualitative study was conducted including five women and five men between 81 and 88 years. The incidence of PD was assessed for five days using the Confusion Assessment Method. Cognitive function was assessed preoperatively and at a 6-month follow-up using the Mini-Mental State Examination. In-depth interviews were conducted 6-12 months post-discharge, transcribed, and analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: Postoperative delirium experiences were grouped into six themes: "Like dreaming while awake", "Disturbed experiences of time", "Existing in a twilight zone", "Trapped in medical tubes", "Moving between different surroundings" and "Meeting with death and the deceased". CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we show that octogenarian patients who undergo SAVR or TAVI have strong and distressing memories of their delirious state that can persist for up to 12 months later. These findings provide valuable new information that will likely improve delivery of health services and enhance professional and empathic care of octogenarians after SAVR and TAVI.

Temporal trend analysis of nurses' knowledge about implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Although crucial, research on nurses' knowledge on the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is scant. The aims of the study were to investigate (i) the level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs, (ii) whether knowledge level is related to education and type of hospital where nurses practice and (iii) whether knowledge level changes among nurses over time. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire comprising 27 items in four parts: (1) Sociodemographics, (2) Technical facts about ICDs, (3) Daily life challenges and (4) Self-evaluation of knowledge. After validation, surveys were conducted during 1-week cardiac educational courses in 2003-2010. In total, 463 nurses working in cardiology-related areas participated, yielding a response rate of 91%. RESULTS: Practical and technical knowledge about ICDs was lacking. Nurses were unaware or did not know that mobile phones can affect the device (80%), that patients are restricted from driving heavy vehicles (69%), and that ICDs can deliver unintended shock therapy (73%). However, they were aware that ICD patients can resume sexual (87%) and physical activity (85%). There were few significant differences with regard to education and type of hospital where nurses practiced, but significant time trends in correct answers regarding kitchen appliances, resumption of physical activity and shock delivery. CONCLUSION: Over an 8-year period, despite the increased usage of ICDs, overall nurses had a lack of knowledge in relation to specific key clinical issues on the care of ICD patients. As a consequence, these patients may fail to receive qualified care. Future research should assess knowledge of other health care professionals and focus on interventions that increase and maintain an appropriate knowledge level in care of ICD patients. Relevance to clinical practice The level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs needs to be systematically raised in order to ensure appropriate counselling and nursing care.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals' support, shock anxiety and device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

AIMS: To investigate the extent to which perceived support from healthcare professionals and shock anxiety is related to device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients. BACKGROUND: Device acceptance can be influenced by several factors, one of which is shock anxiety associated with poor device acceptance. Reduced shock anxiety, as well as increased device acceptance, has been reported after psycho-educational programmes. As healthcare professionals appear to play a significant role in providing support and education during regular follow-up visits, they may constitute an important social support system that could be another factor influencing device acceptance. However, little is known about the relationship between perceived support from healthcare professionals and device acceptance among recipients. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: A sample comprising implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients completed questionnaires assessing perceived support from healthcare professionals, shock anxiety and device acceptance. Demographic and clinical data were collected by self-report and from medical records in September-October 2010. RESULTS: The descriptive results indicated that approximately 85% of the recipients experienced high device acceptance. Regression analysis demonstrated that constructive support from healthcare professionals was positively associated with device acceptance and moderated the negative relationship between shock anxiety and device acceptance. Non-constructive support and shock anxiety had a negative statistical association with device acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals may represent a valuable constructive support system that can enhance device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients, partly by preventing shock anxiety from leading to poor device acceptance. Non-constructive communication on the part of healthcare professionals could hinder device acceptance.

Perceived support from healthcare professionals, shock anxiety and post-traumatic stress in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate (1) the extent to which shock anxiety and perceived support from healthcare professionals are related to post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD) symptoms and (2) the extent to which perceived support from healthcare professionals moderates the relationship between shock anxiety and PTSD symptoms in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients. An additional aim was to describe the level of PTSD symptoms and perceptions of support from healthcare professionals. BACKGROUND: Studies examining PTSD symptoms among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients are still sparse. In addition, little is known about how perceived support from healthcare professionals is related to PTSD symptoms. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: Recipients (n = 167) with implantable cardioverter defibrillator attending an outpatient device clinic completed questionnaires assessing shock anxiety, PTSD symptoms and perceived support from healthcare professionals. RESULTS: The results indicated that between ten and 15% of the recipients experienced moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD. Although a majority perceived constructive support from healthcare professionals, 12% perceived nonconstructive support. Regression analysis demonstrated that shock anxiety and perceived nonconstructive support from healthcare professionals had a statistically significant (p < 0·01) association with PTSD symptoms. Moreover, the results suggest that associations between shock anxiety and PTSD symptoms were significantly (p < 0·01) moderated by perceived nonconstructive support from healthcare professionals. Young age, short time since implantation and secondary prevention indication were also significantly associated with PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that nonconstructive support from healthcare professionals can increase the tendency to develop PTSD symptoms, particularly in those who experience shock anxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should pay more attention to the way in which they communicate information to the recipients during follow-up visits. Clinically based strategies and interventions targeting shock anxiety and PTSD symptoms should be carried out.

The patient experience of in-hospital telemetry monitoring: a qualitative analysis.

AIMS: In-hospital telemetry monitoring has been an integrated part of arrhythmia monitoring for decades. A substantial proportion of patients require arrhythmia monitoring during stays in non-intensive care units. However, studies exploring patients' experiences of telemetry monitoring are scarce. Therefore, the aim was to explore and describe patients' experiences of in-hospital telemetry monitoring in a non-intensive care setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were conducted before discharge at two university hospitals in Norway. The patients were purposively sampled, resulting in a well-balanced population comprising 11 men and nine women, mean age 62 years (range 25-83). Average monitoring time was 9 days (range 3-14). Data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and coded using NVivo software. Qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach was performed. Patients expressed a need for individualized information during telemetry monitoring. Their feelings of safety were related to responses from nurses from the central monitoring station when alarms from the telemetry were triggered. Despite perceived physical restrictions and psychological limitations associated with telemetry monitoring, they found monitoring to be beneficial because it facilitated the diagnosis of arrhythmia. Moreover, they expressed a need for improvements in wearable monitoring equipment. Patients expressed ambivalent feelings about discontinuing the telemetry and their readiness for discharge. CONCLUSION: Patients need individualized information about the results of their telemetry monitoring in order to better understand the arrhythmia management and to increase their experience of safety after discharge. The limitations patients experienced should be taken into consideration in further upgrades of telemetry monitoring equipment.