Development of a Learning Needs Assessment Tool for Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Lack of knowledge about diet and medications by patients with congestive heart failure is a major factor contributing to noncompliance with treatment regimens, and subsequent high hospital readmission rates. The Learning Needs Assessment Tool (LNAT) was developed to include three key assessment areas: family/environment, current knowledge, and learning style. Feasibility of adding the LNAT to the practice of home health care was tested with a sample of seven home health nurses during a 5-month field test. Content validity was established through initial expert review and postfield-testing evaluations through interviews and questionnaires with the participants. Replication of the study with a larger sample is needed to establish reliability and utility of the tool.