Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Staff Regarding Congestive Heart Failure Medication Regimens and Impact on Patient Understanding Post-Discharge

Abstract

Background: A previous study found 68% of readmitted patients did not understand their disease, and 52% did not understand their medications. Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are taking complex medications with limited understanding of their role. By educating patients, they may prevent HFrEF progression. The study aimed to assess nursing and patient knowledge, describe differences in perceptions regarding adequacy of medication education provided, while collecting factors driving incomplete patient understanding. Methods: Patients admitted with an HFrEF diagnosis and inpatient nurses were included in the study. Patients were prospectively identified and contacted post-discharge for a knowledge and attitudes assessment. Both nurses and patients were anonymously surveyed about HFrEF medication regimens and attitudes towards medication education. Results: The nursing survey yielded a response rate of 7.66% (16/209). One of 16 nurses could correctly identify all medications that improve mortality in HFrEF. Nine nurses (56.3%) felt patients could identify and manage potential side effects after medication education. The patient survey yielded a response rate of 30.3% (10/33). Zero patients after discharge could accurately identify at least 3 of the 6 medications that improve mortality in HFrEF. Only 2 patients (20%) could identify common side effects of HFrEF medications. Conclusions: This study identified gaps in medication education. Nurses struggled to identify mortality-reducing medications for HFrEF and side effects and provide complete medication education. These gaps may be addressed with interdisciplinary solutions that increase pharmacy presence in direct patient care.