Experiences of care home nurses' in the delivery of heart failure care: a grounded theory

Heart failure (HF) is prevalent among older adults in care homes, affecting their quality of life and increasing mortality rates. However, care staff often lack the necessary training and resources to manage this complex condition effectively. Understanding nurses' experiences and challenges in delivering HF care is essential to inform improvements in resident outcomes [1-2].<br/><br/>Methods:<br/>This study utilized a grounded theory approach to explore nurses' experiences in providing care for older adults with HF in care homes. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 20 care home nurses, recruited through a convenience sampling method within care home networks in Northern Ireland. The interviews aimed to identify barriers and facilitators in HF management. Each session was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using constant comparative analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes while ensuring the richness of participants’ narratives.<br/><br/>Results:<br/>Four categories emerged from the analysis: (1) Training Gaps, which highlighted insufficient education on HF management and symptom recognition, resulting in varying levels of care; (2) Support Limitations, focusing on inadequate resources and guidance for care staff, leading to feelings of isolation in decision-making; (3) Communication Challenges, addressing difficulties in discussing HF care with residents and their families, which hindered shared understanding of the condition; and (4) Role Clarity, emphasising the need for defined responsibilities among healthcare professionals to optimise HF management. The core category identified was Empowerment, reflecting the staff's desire for enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to improve care for residents living with HF.<br/><br/>Conclusions:<br/>This study highlights significant gaps in training and support for nurses caring for older adults with heart failure in care homes [3]. Strengthening educational initiatives and fostering interprofessional collaboration are crucial steps toward improving HF care quality and empowering nursing staff to deliver effective management for this vulnerable population [4]. Addressing these gaps can lead to better health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for residents living with heart failure in care homes.<br/><br/>Abstract Summary: Heart failure (HF) is prevalent in care homes, impacting residents' quality of life. A grounded theory study with 20 nurses revealed barriers in HF management, including training gaps, support limitations, communication challenges, and unclear roles. Addressing these issues is essential for enhancing HF care and empowering nursing staff.<br/><br/>R<br/>