Helén Rönning | Mid Sweden University (original) (raw)

Papers by Helén Rönning

The Open Nursing Journal, Nov 19, 2014

Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been ... more Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient's condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. Aim: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. Design and method: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. Results: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacrificing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives adjusted to and supported the patient (practical involvement), along with adjusting their own feelings and responding to the mood of the patients (emotional involvement). Conclusion: The well-being of relatives of patients with AF was affected depending on the patients' well-being. In their attempt to handle their own well-being, the relatives adjusted to and supported the patients. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the effects of support to relatives and patients respectively and together.

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (ǃŗŞȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicatȱ ȱ Ǽȱ and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisen-ȱ¢ȱǻȱȱȱȱǼȱ ȱȱȱȱ studieǯȱȱȱȱȱȱǻǼǰȱ¡ȱȱ ȱȱlformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMHǼ was developed and psychometrically evalu-ȱǻǼȱȱŗşȱƸȱŗŗŚȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluaȱǻǼȱ¢ȱ 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial ǻǼȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŗŗŚȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ lformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average agȱ řŚȱ ƹȱ ŗřǯśǼǯȱ ȱ The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: The adults with malformed hearts described that it was important to have good educational materials and methods, and that the information should be given with respect for the individual. Tools for managing important areas in life such as the congenital heart defect, life situation, physical activity, treatment and healthcare resources should be provided. The education should

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, Mar 3, 2023

Experimental & Clinical Cardiology, 2014

Evaluation of a model focusing on computer-based and individualized care by face-to-face psychoed... more Evaluation of a model focusing on computer-based and individualized care by face-to-face psychoeducation for adults with congenitally malformed hearts: a randomized controlled trial.

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being

Copyright © 2014 Susanna Ågren et al.This is an open access article distributed under the Creati... more Copyright © 2014 Susanna Ågren et al.This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transplantation, are unknown today. The aim was to describe now adult children’s experiences of social support in relation to a parent’s heart transplant during childhood. Nine females and four males were interviewed.The median age for the children was 18 at the transplantation and their parents had been ill before for 18 months (median) and on waiting list for 161 days (mean). Three categories emerged: health care professionals’ approaches, family and friends ’ approaches, and society approaches. Our results show that there was lack of support for children of heart transplantation patients. Support in the shape of information was in most cases ...

Abstract: Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD)... more Abstract: Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient’s condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. Aim: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. Design and method: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. Results: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacri-ficing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives ad...

Development and evaluation of a computerbased educational program for adults with congenitally ma... more Development and evaluation of a computerbased educational program for adults with congenitally malformed hearts.

Description and initial evaluation of an educational and psychosocial support model for adults wi... more Description and initial evaluation of an educational and psychosocial support model for adults with congenitally malformed hearts

Nursing Open, 2019

In nursing research, transition has been described as the "passage from one life phase, condition... more In nursing research, transition has been described as the "passage from one life phase, condition, or status to another," as "periods in between fairly stable states" (Chick & Meleis, 1986, p. 238) and as "processes that occur over time," which can be divided "into stages and phases" (Schumacher & Meleis, 1994, p. 121). From the work of various researchers, transition has been presented as a central concept in the discipline of nursing for the last four decades, (Meleis, 1975; Suva et al., 2015). During this period of time, the components of transition have been identified and described (Chick & Meleis, 1986), expanded by one additional typology (Schumacher & Meleis, 1994) and the concept has been further extended and redefined (Meleis, Sawyer, Im, Messias, & Schumacher, 2000)-all in nursing research. The prominent figure in defining transition in nursing research is Afaf Ibrahim Meleis, who first wrote about the concept in relation to

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (≥18 years of age) with the ten most common heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicated heart defects) and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisenmenger syndrome (defined as complicated heart defects) were included in the studies. To apprehend the educational needs (I), sixteen adults with heart malformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMH) was developed and psychometrically evaluated (II) in 19 + 114 adults with the ten most common heart defects average age 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluated (III) by 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial (IV) with a total of 114 adults with congenitally malformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average age 34 ± 13.5). The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: Two-way communication when given information was found to be crucial in order to enhance knowledge (I). Knowledge was seen as a tool for managing important areas in life. The KnoCoMH (II) was found to be a valid and reliable scale and can now be used to estimate knowledge in adults with congenitally malformed hearts. The model for follow-up (III) was effective in improving and maintaining knowledge (IV) about self-management in adults with heart malformation.

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2006

compared to those receiving standard care. Partners of the AP patients showed a reduction in depr... more compared to those receiving standard care. Partners of the AP patients showed a reduction in depression levels. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to explore whether significant levels of patient depression at baseline, or receipt of cardiac surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the study influenced the results obtained. Once patients with high depression scores predischarge (N =13) were removed from the analysis, AP patients showed a significant reduction in depression levels compared to the SC patients. When patients receiving CABG or PCI were excluded, effects on exertional capacity, self-reported exercise and general health perceptions disappeared, while effects on knowledge, misconceptions and BMI remained. In addition, improvements emerged in energy and vitality and self-reported reductions of fat in diet and between-group changes in depression approached significance. Conclusions: The use of the Angina Plan in a secondary care setting produces similar benefits to its reported use in primary care with patients with newly diagnosed angina. The results of this study suggest that initiating the Angina Plan in a secondary care setting seems to be beneficial not only for newly diagnosed angina patients but also for patients with established coronary heart disease. The reported associated beneficial effects on depression in partners require further investigation.

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) influences the lives of patients in the form of worsened well-being. Pat... more Atrial fibrillation (AF) influences the lives of patients in the form of worsened well-being. Patients' own experience of and how to handle AF is rarely investigated. These are important aspects for healthcare services to understand in order to support the well-being of patients with AF. To explore and describe critical incidents in which patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to prevent and handle it. An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 25 patients (16 men and 9 women) with AF in a healthcare area in southern Sweden. Patients experienced discomfort and limitations in daily life. The actions they took were self-care related actions and healthcare related actions. AF affects well-being when it is uncomfortable and leads to pronounced limitations in daily life with the patients trying to maintain or restore well-being through adapting and developing strategies for self-care. Patients base the handling of AF on their personal experience.

liu.diva-portal.org

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (ǃŗŞȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicatȱ ȱ Ǽȱ and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisen-ȱ¢ȱǻȱȱȱȱǼȱ ȱȱȱȱ studieǯȱȱȱȱȱȱǻǼǰȱ¡ȱȱ ȱȱlformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMHǼ was developed and psychometrically evalu-ȱǻǼȱȱŗşȱƸȱŗŗŚȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluaȱǻǼȱ¢ȱ 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial ǻǼȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŗŗŚȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ lformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average agȱ řŚȱ ƹȱ ŗřǯśǼǯȱ ȱ The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: The adults with malformed hearts described that it was important to have good educational materials and methods, and that the information should be given with respect for the individual. Tools for managing important areas in life such as the congenital heart defect, life situation, physical activity, treatment and healthcare resources should be provided. The education should

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2012

Background: There is a lack of educational material for adults with congenitally malformed hearts... more Background: There is a lack of educational material for adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Computer-based education has shown to have significant effects on knowledge and management of chronic diseases.

Experimental & Clinical Cardiology, 2014

Objective: Evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational model for follow-up in adults with congen... more Objective: Evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational model for follow-up in adults with congenitally malformed hearts.Methods: The study had a randomized controlled design. Usual care was compar ...

The Open Nursing Journal, 2014

Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been ... more Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient's condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed.

Nursing Research and Practice, 2014

The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transp... more The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transplantation, are unknown today. The aim was to describe now adult children's experiences of social support in relation to a parent's heart transplant during childhood. Nine females and four males were interviewed. The median age for the children was 18 at the transplantation and their parents had been ill before for 18 months (median) and on waiting list for 161 days (mean). Three categories emerged: health care professionals' approaches, family and friends' approaches, and society approaches. Our results show that there was lack of support for children of heart transplantation patients. Support in the shape of information was in most cases provided by the sick or healthy parent. It is of great clinical importance to develop psychosocial support programs for children with a seriously ill parent waiting for heart transplantation (before, during, and after surgery).

Clinical Nursing Studies, 2014

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges, strategies and needs of dyads who are deali... more The aim of this study was to identify the challenges, strategies and needs of dyads who are dealing with postoperative heart failure.

The Open Nursing Journal, Nov 19, 2014

Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been ... more Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient's condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. Aim: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. Design and method: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. Results: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacrificing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives adjusted to and supported the patient (practical involvement), along with adjusting their own feelings and responding to the mood of the patients (emotional involvement). Conclusion: The well-being of relatives of patients with AF was affected depending on the patients' well-being. In their attempt to handle their own well-being, the relatives adjusted to and supported the patients. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the effects of support to relatives and patients respectively and together.

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (ǃŗŞȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicatȱ ȱ Ǽȱ and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisen-ȱ¢ȱǻȱȱȱȱǼȱ ȱȱȱȱ studieǯȱȱȱȱȱȱǻǼǰȱ¡ȱȱ ȱȱlformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMHǼ was developed and psychometrically evalu-ȱǻǼȱȱŗşȱƸȱŗŗŚȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluaȱǻǼȱ¢ȱ 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial ǻǼȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŗŗŚȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ lformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average agȱ řŚȱ ƹȱ ŗřǯśǼǯȱ ȱ The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: The adults with malformed hearts described that it was important to have good educational materials and methods, and that the information should be given with respect for the individual. Tools for managing important areas in life such as the congenital heart defect, life situation, physical activity, treatment and healthcare resources should be provided. The education should

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, Mar 3, 2023

Experimental & Clinical Cardiology, 2014

Evaluation of a model focusing on computer-based and individualized care by face-to-face psychoed... more Evaluation of a model focusing on computer-based and individualized care by face-to-face psychoeducation for adults with congenitally malformed hearts: a randomized controlled trial.

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being

Copyright © 2014 Susanna Ågren et al.This is an open access article distributed under the Creati... more Copyright © 2014 Susanna Ågren et al.This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transplantation, are unknown today. The aim was to describe now adult children’s experiences of social support in relation to a parent’s heart transplant during childhood. Nine females and four males were interviewed.The median age for the children was 18 at the transplantation and their parents had been ill before for 18 months (median) and on waiting list for 161 days (mean). Three categories emerged: health care professionals’ approaches, family and friends ’ approaches, and society approaches. Our results show that there was lack of support for children of heart transplantation patients. Support in the shape of information was in most cases ...

Abstract: Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD)... more Abstract: Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient’s condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. Aim: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. Design and method: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. Results: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacri-ficing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives ad...

Development and evaluation of a computerbased educational program for adults with congenitally ma... more Development and evaluation of a computerbased educational program for adults with congenitally malformed hearts.

Description and initial evaluation of an educational and psychosocial support model for adults wi... more Description and initial evaluation of an educational and psychosocial support model for adults with congenitally malformed hearts

Nursing Open, 2019

In nursing research, transition has been described as the "passage from one life phase, condition... more In nursing research, transition has been described as the "passage from one life phase, condition, or status to another," as "periods in between fairly stable states" (Chick & Meleis, 1986, p. 238) and as "processes that occur over time," which can be divided "into stages and phases" (Schumacher & Meleis, 1994, p. 121). From the work of various researchers, transition has been presented as a central concept in the discipline of nursing for the last four decades, (Meleis, 1975; Suva et al., 2015). During this period of time, the components of transition have been identified and described (Chick & Meleis, 1986), expanded by one additional typology (Schumacher & Meleis, 1994) and the concept has been further extended and redefined (Meleis, Sawyer, Im, Messias, & Schumacher, 2000)-all in nursing research. The prominent figure in defining transition in nursing research is Afaf Ibrahim Meleis, who first wrote about the concept in relation to

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (≥18 years of age) with the ten most common heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicated heart defects) and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisenmenger syndrome (defined as complicated heart defects) were included in the studies. To apprehend the educational needs (I), sixteen adults with heart malformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMH) was developed and psychometrically evaluated (II) in 19 + 114 adults with the ten most common heart defects average age 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluated (III) by 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial (IV) with a total of 114 adults with congenitally malformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average age 34 ± 13.5). The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: Two-way communication when given information was found to be crucial in order to enhance knowledge (I). Knowledge was seen as a tool for managing important areas in life. The KnoCoMH (II) was found to be a valid and reliable scale and can now be used to estimate knowledge in adults with congenitally malformed hearts. The model for follow-up (III) was effective in improving and maintaining knowledge (IV) about self-management in adults with heart malformation.

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2006

compared to those receiving standard care. Partners of the AP patients showed a reduction in depr... more compared to those receiving standard care. Partners of the AP patients showed a reduction in depression levels. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to explore whether significant levels of patient depression at baseline, or receipt of cardiac surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the study influenced the results obtained. Once patients with high depression scores predischarge (N =13) were removed from the analysis, AP patients showed a significant reduction in depression levels compared to the SC patients. When patients receiving CABG or PCI were excluded, effects on exertional capacity, self-reported exercise and general health perceptions disappeared, while effects on knowledge, misconceptions and BMI remained. In addition, improvements emerged in energy and vitality and self-reported reductions of fat in diet and between-group changes in depression approached significance. Conclusions: The use of the Angina Plan in a secondary care setting produces similar benefits to its reported use in primary care with patients with newly diagnosed angina. The results of this study suggest that initiating the Angina Plan in a secondary care setting seems to be beneficial not only for newly diagnosed angina patients but also for patients with established coronary heart disease. The reported associated beneficial effects on depression in partners require further investigation.

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) influences the lives of patients in the form of worsened well-being. Pat... more Atrial fibrillation (AF) influences the lives of patients in the form of worsened well-being. Patients' own experience of and how to handle AF is rarely investigated. These are important aspects for healthcare services to understand in order to support the well-being of patients with AF. To explore and describe critical incidents in which patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to prevent and handle it. An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 25 patients (16 men and 9 women) with AF in a healthcare area in southern Sweden. Patients experienced discomfort and limitations in daily life. The actions they took were self-care related actions and healthcare related actions. AF affects well-being when it is uncomfortable and leads to pronounced limitations in daily life with the patients trying to maintain or restore well-being through adapting and developing strategies for self-care. Patients base the handling of AF on their personal experience.

liu.diva-portal.org

Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications... more Background and aims: Many adults with congenitally malformed hearts are at risk for complications such as decreased function and capacity of the heart due to the heart defect and previously surgery. This advocates self-management behaviours related to medical treatments, physical activity, preventions of endocarditis, some restrictions regarding suitable employment and spare time activities, birth control and pregnancy, but also lifestyle concerns such as refraining from smoking and healthy eating. Sufficient knowledge and support are requirements for successful self-management. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe educational needs, develop a tool for assessing knowledge and to evaluate the effects of a follow-up model providing education and psychosocial support to adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Subjects and methods: Adults (ǃŗŞȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ heart defects namely ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aortae, aortic valve stenosis (defined as uncomplicatȱ ȱ Ǽȱ and tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein anomaly and Eisen-ȱ¢ȱǻȱȱȱȱǼȱ ȱȱȱȱ studieǯȱȱȱȱȱȱǻǼǰȱ¡ȱȱ ȱȱlformations, ranging from 19-55 years of age, were interviewed and data were analysed qualitatively using phenomenographic method. As a tool to evaluate knowledge, an instrument named Knowledge scale for adults with Congenital Malformed Hearts (KnoCoMHǼ was developed and psychometrically evalu-ȱǻǼȱȱŗşȱƸȱŗŗŚȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ 34 ± 13.5. A model for follow-up was described and initially evaluaȱǻǼȱ¢ȱ 55 adults with the most common heart defects and finally tested in a randomised controlled trial ǻǼȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŗŗŚȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ lformed hearts (56 participants in intervention group and 58 in control group with average agȱ řŚȱ ƹȱ ŗřǯśǼǯȱ ȱ The intervention group recived a model for follow-up with individualise and computer-based eduction and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team. Results: The adults with malformed hearts described that it was important to have good educational materials and methods, and that the information should be given with respect for the individual. Tools for managing important areas in life such as the congenital heart defect, life situation, physical activity, treatment and healthcare resources should be provided. The education should

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2012

Background: There is a lack of educational material for adults with congenitally malformed hearts... more Background: There is a lack of educational material for adults with congenitally malformed hearts. Computer-based education has shown to have significant effects on knowledge and management of chronic diseases.

Experimental & Clinical Cardiology, 2014

Objective: Evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational model for follow-up in adults with congen... more Objective: Evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational model for follow-up in adults with congenitally malformed hearts.Methods: The study had a randomized controlled design. Usual care was compar ...

The Open Nursing Journal, 2014

Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been ... more Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient's condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed.

Nursing Research and Practice, 2014

The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transp... more The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transplantation, are unknown today. The aim was to describe now adult children's experiences of social support in relation to a parent's heart transplant during childhood. Nine females and four males were interviewed. The median age for the children was 18 at the transplantation and their parents had been ill before for 18 months (median) and on waiting list for 161 days (mean). Three categories emerged: health care professionals' approaches, family and friends' approaches, and society approaches. Our results show that there was lack of support for children of heart transplantation patients. Support in the shape of information was in most cases provided by the sick or healthy parent. It is of great clinical importance to develop psychosocial support programs for children with a seriously ill parent waiting for heart transplantation (before, during, and after surgery).

Clinical Nursing Studies, 2014

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges, strategies and needs of dyads who are deali... more The aim of this study was to identify the challenges, strategies and needs of dyads who are dealing with postoperative heart failure.