Telenursing and Self-Efficacy in Heart Failure

Abstract

Chronic heart failure significantly impacts patients' quality of life and self-management. Enhancing self-efficacy is crucial for improving treatment adherence and health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of telenursing-specifically through telephone training and follow-up-on the self-efficacy of patients with chronic heart failure. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran in early 2024. The study involved the following: (1) patient education and consent, (2) weekly follow-up calls by trained nurses to provide self-care guidance and support, and (3) pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Sullivan Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale. Fifty-five patients participated, with a mean age of 66.24 years. Post-intervention, the percentage of patients with low self-efficacy decreased from 21.8 to 1.8, while those with high self-efficacy increased from 3.6 to 90.9 (P < .0001). Clinical symptoms, such as weakness (P = .016) and fatigue (P = .031), were also significantly reduced. Structured telephone follow-up and education effectively enhance self-efficacy and reduce symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure, indicating the potential of telenursing in chronic care management.