Effectiveness of thirst intervention package on thirst intensity and thirst distress among patients of heart failure with fluid restriction at a tertiary care center

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a global burden since it is a widespread, expensive, and potentially life-threatening illness. Thirst is one of the most common symptoms of HF as well a major concern for patients. Thirst has been shown to have a long-term impact on patients’ quality of life while also contributing to discomfort and anxiety. The present study aimed to to evaluate the effectiveness of Thirst Intervention Package on Thirst Intensity and Thirst Distress among patients of HF with fluid restriction. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study (one group pre- and posttest design) done at a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow region situated in Northern India. A total of 35 participants were selected through the purposive sampling technique who met the inclusion criteria. The tools used for data collection were Demographic and Clinical profile sheet, Visual Analog Scale, and Thirst Distress Scale for patients with Heart Failure (TDS-HF). The Thirst Intervention Package was administered 2 days consecutively to the participants. Results: It was found that the participants had more thirst intensity (3.9 ± 0.78) and thirst distress (30.2 ± 5.7) before the intervention as compared to postintervention thirst intensity (2.73 ± 0.70) and thirst distress (28.74 ± 4.36). It was also observed that the Thirst Intervention Package had significant impact on thirst intensity ( P = 0.01) and thirst distress ( P = 0.006). Conclusion: This study concludes that the Thirst Intervention Package was beneficial in reducing thirst intensity and thirst distress in HF. Hence, the study recommends that this small intervention may be practiced in hospital set-up on routine to provide comfort and relieve thirst.