Self-care for people with heart failure: the importance of tele-nursing in the COVID-19 pandemic^*

Abstract

Objective:

to describe factors of influence of telenursing on naturalistic decision making about self-care of people with heart failure during COVID-19.

Method:

this is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, with 16 participants interviewed after hospitalization for decompensated heart failure. The data was collected using audio and video technology and submitted to content analysis, guided by the Situation-Specific Theory of Heart Failure Self-Care.

Result:

two thematic categories emerged from the analysis: Self-care as a decision-making process and Factors influencing decision-making, which describe tele-nursing as a support resource for people with heart failure, during changes in care in the pandemic period.

Conclusion:

it was possible to understand the relationship between telenursing and the establishment of a bond, in order to stimulate naturalistic decision-making by people with heart failure in their daily lives in a coherent way, leading to better health outcomes.

Descriptors:
Chronic Disease; Self-Management; Qualitative Research; Heart Failure; COVID-19; Telemonitoring

Highlights:

(1) Different barriers compromise the decision-making of people with heart failure.

(2) Nursing theories can guide coherent self-care attitudes.

(3) Continuity of care and a support network are necessary after hospitalization.

(4) Emotional support for people with heart failure must go hand in hand with conventional treatment.

(5) The bond through tele-nursing provides positive health outcomes.