Challenges for the heart failure care: exploratory research with nurses in Ontario

Abstract

Objectives: to observe the implementation of Canadian protocols for patients with heart failure, and identify with nurses, health education aspects. Method: exploratory research in the period from August to December 2013, where the data collection was carried out by observation during the Shadow Experience and interview of Canadian nurses. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics. Results: 28 patients were observed in the Shadow Experience strategy at different levels of care, and 13 nurses interviewed. In health education, interpersonal contact was the most used strategy (69,23%), treatment was the priority share (76,92%), followed by prevention (30,77%). There are challenges with respect to harmful lifestyle habits, and self-care considered ineffective (38,46%). Conclusion: interpersonal interaction, which involved professionals and Canadian individuals at different levels of care, helped to identify in their implementation, basic actions and challenges for heart failure.