Self-care is at the foundation for living with a chronic condition such as heart failure (HF). A systematic review using qualitative meta-synthesis was carried out. Included studies had to contain a
qualitative component and data pertaining to self-care of HF from adults older than 18 years and be published as full
papers/theses beginning 1995. Ten databases were searched until March 19, 2012. Results: Of 1421 papers
identified by the search, 47 were included. Studies involved the following: 1377 patients, 45% women, mean
age of 67 years (range, 25Y98 years), 145 caregivers, and 15 HCPs. Approaches to self-care reflected both
perception- and action-based strategies and were a means to effectively manage HF. Although HF patients often
expressed difficulty on how to integrate self-care recommendations into their daily lives, they developed
intentional, planned strategies that harnessed previous experiences. Conclusions: Healthcare providers must
appreciate that patients view self-care as an ‘‘adaptation’’ that they undertake to maintain their independence and
quality of life. In addition, HCPs must recognize that because self-care is a process of learning over time from
experience, an individualized approach that emphasizes how to self-care must be adopted for patients to develop
the necessary HF self-care skills.