Heart Foundation releases new chronic heart failure resources
The Heart Foundation has released its new set of Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) resources to assist some 300,0001 Australians living with this debilitating condition.
They comprise a new handbook entitled ‘Living well with chronic heart failure’ plus a shorter information sheet version.
The new Heart Foundation resources are designed to facilitate better discussion between health professionals and their patients and improve patients’ knowledge and understanding of symptom management, medicines and other treatments and lifestyle changes. They also address other important issues such as depression.
Other practical advice includes a CHF action plan outlining daily self-management activities and vital information about when to call for medical advice and in particular emergency help.
“Self-care requires commitment and cooperation from patients and their carers,” said Professor Patricia Davidson, professor of cardiovascular and chronic care, Curtin University of Technology. “So it is important to have a practical resource that is simple to read and follow, and yet comprehensive enough to explain to patients and carers the actions they need to employ to reduce the impact of heart failure on their daily activities.
“These new resources were tested among heart failure patients and heart failure nurses, and received many positive comments on the contents and their presentation.”
