Self-Study-Based Informed Decision-Making Tool for Empowerment of Treatment Adherence Among Chronic Heart Failure Patients—A Pilot Study

<b>Background:</b> Adherence to drug prescriptions is often suboptimal among heart failure (HF) patients. Informed decision-making may improve patients' adherence to HF drug prescriptions. <b>Aims of the study:</b> We aimed to test whether a self-study-based informed decision-making tool could improve adherence to drug prescriptions among ambulatory HF patients. <b>Methods:</b> A tool and a statement-based questionnaire were developed to evaluate drug adherence willingness based on COMPAR-EU recommendations. The test group (<i>n</i> = 40) was exposed to the tool + questionnaire; controls (<i>n</i> = 40) answered the questionnaire only. Agreement with statements of the questionnaire was graded on a scale of 0 to 4 points, reflecting no to full agreement. <b>Results:</b> The median age of controls was younger (56 vs. 61 years; <i>p</i> = 0.04); test and control group patients did not differ across other parameters (always <i>p</i> > 0.05). Patients in both groups agreed that "HF is a life-long disease" (3.5 vs. 4; <i>p</i> = 0.19) and that "only life-long drug treatment provides benefit" (4 vs. 4; <i>p</i> = 0.22). More test group patients confirmed improved comprehension of HF disease (3 vs. 2; <i>p</i> = 0.03) and greater acceptance that "achievement of benefit asks for a combination of HF drugs" (4 vs. 3; <i>p</i> = 0.009) and "daily intake" (4 vs. 3; <i>p</i> = 0.004). In test group patients, questions remained, resulting in less agreement that "all aspects of my heart disease" are understood (1 vs. 3; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Willingness to adhere to HF-drug treatment was not different between the groups (3 vs. 3.5; <i>p</i> = 0.28). <b>Conclusions:</b> The self-study-based informed decision-making tool improved the comprehension of HF and the need for HF treatment, but did not improve willingness to adhere since questions remained unanswered.