Keywords

adults, aging, heart failure, empowerment

 

Authors

  1. Thakur, Ramesh Devi PhD, MSN, RN
  2. Fleury, Julie D. PhD, RN, FAAN
  3. Crawford Shearer, Nelma B. PhD, RN, FAAN
  4. Belyea, Michael PhD

Abstract

Background: Of almost 5.7 million Americans with heart failure, 80% are 65 years and older. Empowerment approaches facilitating recognition of personal and social contextual resources may improve well-being in this vulnerable population.

 

Objective: This research evaluated the feasibility of the Health Empowerment Intervention (HEI) in older adults with heart failure, including effects on health empowerment, purposeful participation, self-management, functional health, and well-being.

 

Methods: Twenty older adults with heart failure were randomly assigned to HEI or Attention Control conditions. The HEI consisted of 6 weekly sessions based on the Health Empowerment Theory. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.

 

Results: Feasibility of the HEI was supported; participants realized significant improvement in health empowerment and purposeful participation in goal attainment.

 

Conclusions

 

This research supports the feasibility of the HEI and provides a basis for continued evaluation.