| Autor: |
Peardon, Louise, Yellowlees, Diane, Pratt, Rebekah, Reid, Janet, O'Donnell, Maureen, Ness, Andrea, Chalmers, Campbell, Leslie, Stephen, Denvir, Martin A |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2010 |
| Předmět: |
|
| ISSN: |
1474-5151 |
| Popis: |
Introduction: Social isolation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is an adverse prognostic factor. This paper reports the creation of a supportive patient/carer network (Heart Failure Support Service), led by a voluntary sector/National Health Service (NHS) partnership which involved volunteer befriending, regular patient and carer forum and a newsletter. The project: Over 3 years, 37 volunteers were ‘befrienders’ to over 50 individuals with CHF. A thorough training and matching process ensured that the first befriending visit was a positive experience. 100% of patients found the visits from the volunteer worthwhile and said they would recommend the service to other patients. Prior to the first patient–carer forum, 200 questionnaires were sent out with a 56% response rate, 44% of respondents believed that a forum and a newsletter would be valued. Over a period of 3 years, 12 quarterly meetings were held with an average attendance of 30–40 per meeting. The newsletter (current circulation > 800 per quarter) contributed to self-management and encouraged communication between professionals and patients–carers. Conclusions: The Heart Failure Support Service (volunteers, forum and newsletter) created a supportive patient–carer network and represents a successful voluntary sector/NHS partnership. |
| Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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