Effect of applying a clinical pathway for patients with Congestive Heart Failure on their health status outcomes

Abstract

Over time, heart failure (HF) turns into a typical cardiovascular condition whose occurrence and predominance are increasing. Being a typical cause for urgent hospital admission, it is a noteworthy cause for morbidity and mortality for patients with CHF. In Egypt around 1.5 million individuals have CHF. A multidisciplinary approach appears the most ideal approach to manage patients with HF since it has been appeared to enhance clinical outcome and particularly to diminish the rate of readmission related to acute or chronic decompensation. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of implementing a clinical pathway for patients with Congestive Heart Failure on their health status outcomes. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study on a convenient sample of 68 patients with CHF divided to equal group (34 patients each). The study was conducted, in the cardiology department and outpatient clinic of cardiology at Sohag Cardiac and Hepatic institution. Three tools were used for data collection: Congestive Heart Failure Patient Assessment, Clinical Pathway Protocol, and a Congestive Heart Failure Patient Variance Sheet. The results of the study showed good improvement in complaints of the study group. Improving care and practice can provide a favorable effect on the incidence of the complications CHF patients are exposed to. The recommendation based on the results of this study is to apply a clinical pathway for patients with CHF, rather than the traditional care with the aid of established guidelines of care and illustrated patient education handout. In addition, providing comprehensive education and training for nurses who care for CHF patients lays the foundation for quality care.