The art of caring for patients with heart failure at hospital discharge: considerations for nursing healthcare practice

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the nursing care provided to patients with heart failure at hospital discharge reported by the nurses. Method: Qualitative and descriptive study conducted in a university hospital with assistant nurses as subjects of the research. The data were obtained through interviews with the nurses and for the analysis we used the method of content analysis according to Bardin, through which we analyzed the art of nursing care provided to patients with heart failure at hospital discharge. The research was based on Ordinance 196/96 of the National Health Council, and approved by the Ethics Committee under Opinion 310/11. Results: The following aspects of the art of caring stood out: pharmacological therapy in patients with heart failure; guidelines on symptoms of decompensation of the disease; and stimulus for autonomy and self-care. Conclusion: we emphasize that nurses must perform nursing actions aiming at achieving full and effective care, so that patients with heart failure can continue performing their daily activities with quality and balance.