Developing a volume control innovation for elderly with congestive heart failure

Maintaining effective volume balance through monitoring and control is crucial for preventing volume overload in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The purpose of the study was to develop and test a volume control innovation for elderly with CHF. The study applied the design thinking model to create this innovation. Research instruments included a questionnaire to assess the structure and function of volume control system, as well as a checklist for accuracy testing. These instruments were evaluated by experts and yielded an index of item objective congruence value ranging from 0.67 to 1.00. The questionnaire assessing user satisfaction, also evaluated by experts, showed a content validity index of 1.00. The study sample included 26 participants: 21 elderly individuals with CHF and 5 healthcare professionals. The volume control innovation consists of a sensor-based device that measures volume intake and output, along with web applications for both elderly users and healthcare professionals. Results showed that all accuracy tests―including alert when volume intake reached a specified limit, measurement of volume intake and output, automatically calculation of appropriate daily water intake, display of user information on a web application, and storage and recording of user data―achieved 100% accuracy. Elderly participants with CHF reported high satisfaction with the innovation, and healthcare professionals also expressed high satisfaction. The study recommends future research to explore the effectiveness of fluid self-management in elderly individuals with CHF.