Elderly patients' experiences of following self-care advice in heart failure : A literaturebased study

Background: Heart failure is a serious condition that creates a burden on both the patient and the healthcare system. It requires lifelong treatment consisting of medication and self-care advice. The nurse's role in treatment is to be educational, supportive and responsive. Aim: The purpose is to describe elderly patients' experiences of following self-care advice in heart failure. Method: A qualitative literature-based study inspired by metasynthesis was conducted, based on 11 qualitative articles that were analyzed. From these, three main themes and eight subthemes were created. Results: The three main themes with sub-themes that were created were: Emotions that rule with sub-themes: Fear of suffering from a serious condition, Feeling hopeless and facing challenges and The sense of getting support. The next main theme was Aggravating circumstances with sub-themes: Symptoms set limits, Aging and living with physical frailty and Knowledge and motivation deficiencies. The third main theme was A new way of living with the sub-themes Establishing a new daily routine and New strategies contributing to positive effects. Conclusion: Adherence could vary greatly depending on emotional stress. The nurse has an important role in supporting and providing information. When information and support were lacking, adherence decreased, and patients felt hopelessness and fear of worsening their condition. Patients who experienced support and found strategies felt that this had positive effects.