Living with heart failure: patients’ lived experiences and multidimensional needs

Abstract

Heart failure affects patient’s pyhsical and psychological health and their ability to perform daily activities. Previous studies have largely focused on intervention effectiveness, self-care outcomes or relationships between specific factors, leaving patients’ overall subjective experience of adapting to heart failure insufficiently understood. This study explored patients’ lived experiences and multidimensional needs while living with heart failure. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was used. Fifteen outpatients with heart failure were recruited using purposive sampling from a cardiology clinic in Surakarta and interviewed in depth. One nurse key informant provided contextual information on service and education processes, while only patient interview data informed coding and theme development. Data were analyzed using a modified Colaizzi procedure. Five themes emerged: (1) gaps in understanding and information needs about heart failure; (2) the need to strengthen self-care skills and response to symptoms; (3) the need for interpersonal and professional support in adapting to heart failure; (4) the need for emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies in dealing with heart failure; and (5) the need for clear and practical education for heart failure management. These findings suggest that adaptation to heart failure involves interconnected cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional needs and may inform patient-centered nursing support.