Communication in heart failure: Perspectives from older people and primary care professionals

Sarah Barnes, Merryn Gott, Sheila Payne, David Seamark, Chris Parker, Salah Gariballa, Neil Small

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

75 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes of older people and primary care professionals towards communication of diagnosis, prognosis and symptoms in heart failure. Forty-four interviews were conducted with people aged > 60 years with heart failure (New York Heart Association III-IV) recruited from general practices in the UK. Ten focus groups were held with primary care professionals involved in heart failure management. Data were analysed thematically with the aid of the NUD*IST computer program. Participants reported problems with communication, including not being given enough information about their condition, or being given complex information that they did not understand. Many understood little about heart failure and the causes of, and ways to manage, their symptoms. Few participants had had discussions about the prognosis with any health professional, and this was confirmed in professional accounts. Difficulties with terminology were frequently reported: a diagnosis of 'heart failure' was rarely communicated to patients to avoid causing anxiety. Educational needs were identified by most primary care professionals in relation to heart failure management and specifically in relation to communication. In conclusion, communication was identified as being inadequate within primary care from both the patient and professional perspectives. These findings point to a need for an educational intervention tailored specifically to the need to improve the communication skills of primary care professionals in chronic heart failure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)482-490
Number of pages9
JournalHealth and Social Care in the Community
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Communication
  • Heart failure
  • Older people
  • Primary care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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