« Study suggests stressful jobs may increase risk of second heart attack | Main | Researchers say reading, social activities, needlework in midlife may lower risk for memory loss in later years »
April 29, 2009
Heart failure patients want more attention paid to their psychological needs, research suggests
HealthDay (4/24, Edelson) reported that patients "with heart failure, and those who care for them, want more attention paid to their psychological needs," according to a study presented at an American Heart Association conference.
Dr. David Bekelman, one of the researchers, said that "interviews with 33 people diagnosed with heart failure...and 20 of their caregivers uncovered a desire for the kind of palliative care devoted to reducing suffering that is commonly given to people with cancer." According to Dr. Bekelman, "four major needs emerged from the interviews." He said, "They need help adjusting to the limitations imposed by heart failure."
Dr. Bekelman added that "they wanted to know what they might expect in terms of progression. They wanted help in alleviating physical and emotional symptoms." Furthermore, "they wanted better communication with medical personnel."
Posted by admin at April 29, 2009 05:46 PM