Complexity in caring for an ageing heart failure population: concomitant chronic conditions and age related impairments

De Geest, Sabina; Steeman, Els; Leventhal, Marcia E; Mahrer-Imhof, Romy; Hengartner-Kopp, Beatrice; Conca, Antoinette; Bernasconi, Arlette T; Petry, Heidi; Brunner-La Rocca, Hanspeter

doi:10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2004.08.004

Complexity in caring for an ageing heart failure population: concomitant chronic conditions and age related impairments

Author:

De Geest, Sabina

Steeman, Els ; Leventhal, Marcia E ; Mahrer-Imhof, Romy ; Hengartner-Kopp, Beatrice ; Conca, Antoinette ; Bernasconi, Arlette T ; Petry, Heidi ; Brunner-La Rocca, Hanspeter

Keywords:

Activities of Daily Living, Aged, Chronic Disease, Comorbidity, Frail Elderly, Heart Failure, Congestive, Humans, Patient Care Planning, Polypharmacy, Social Support, Heart Failure, 1102 Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, 1110 Nursing, 1117 Public Health and Health Services, Nursing, 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology, 4205 Nursing

Abstract:

The complexity of caring for the ageing heart failure (HF) population is further complicated by concomitant chronic conditions (i.e., polypharmacy, depression), age related impairments (i.e., hearing, visual and cognitive impairments, impairments in activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), and other issues (e.g., health illiteracy, lack of social support). This paper provides an overview of these risk factors, outlines how they individually and in interplay endanger favourable outcome by putting patients at risk for poor self-management. Moreover, suggestions are made on how these issues could be addressed and integrated in heart failure management by applying gerontological care principles in caring for the ageing heart failure population.