Palliative care proven effective in enhancing quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure

The integration of palliative care in the treatment of patients experiencing chronic heart failure has been demonstrated to have a significant and positive impact, according to a study that found patients with CHF receiving palliative care, in addition to conventional care, exhibited improvements in their physical and mental well-being, coping styles, and overall quality of life. The single-center randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled a total of 103 participants, divided into a study group (n = 54) and a control group (n = 49). The control group received conventional care, while the study group received a combination of conventional care and palliative interventions.

Following the intervention, the study group exhibited a significantly higher positive coping style score compared to the control group, coupled with a lower negative coping style score (P < 0.05). Notably, anxiety and depression scores, measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory-II, decreased in both groups post-intervention, with the study group registering lower scores than their counterparts in the control group (P < 0.05).

The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores demonstrated a decrease in both groups after the intervention, with the study group again reporting lower scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The research group also expressed higher nursing satisfaction at an impressive rate of 94.44%, in contrast to the control group’s satisfaction rate of 81.63% (P < 0.05).

Reference
Liu Y, Tao L, Liu M, et al. The impact of palliative care on the physical and mental status and quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(50):e36607. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036607. PMID: 38115251.