Search Results
Of 1421 papers identified (Figure), 47 met the criteria
for inclusion in the review of patients’ self-care strategies
(Table). Main reasons for exclusion were that papers
did not contain data on HF self-care or did not have a
qualitativemethodology. Studies involved 1377 patients
(45% women; mean age, 67 years; age range, 25Y98
years), 145 caregivers, and 15 HCPs.With some exceptions,
populations were predominantlywhite and urban
dwelling. Most studies were conducted in the United
States (n = 25), and overall, study quality was moderate
(n = 30), with common study weaknesses being
superficial analyses of themes, overreliance on convenience
sampling, and insufficient description of sample
characteristics (Table).
Patients used various strategies to accommodate selfcare
recommendations and HF into the reality of their
daily lives. In general, engaging in self-care required