A survey of views and opinions of health professionals managing thirst in chronic heart failure

Abstract

Background: Thirst is a common and burdensome symptom of chronic heart failure (CHF) which affects adherence to self-care practices specifically fluid restriction. Despite this, there is no standard clinical practice for managing the symptom of thirst. Aims and objectives: The aim is to identify the current strategies recommended by health professionals to help relieve thirst in CHF patients and their perceived usefulness of these strategies. Methods: A survey was distributed to attendees of the 8th Annual Scientific Meeting of Australasian Cardiovascular Nursing College. Results: There were 42 of 70 respondents to the survey. The majority (33 of 40; 82.5%) had recommended various strategies to alleviate thirst. The most recommended strategy was ice chips (36 of 38; 94.7%). Overall, the respondents reported ‘some use’ in all of the strategies. Conclusion: Information from this survey may help in the incorporation of thirst-relieving strategies into evidence-based guidelines; further improving the quality of care of patients.

Keywords:

• cardiovascular
• self-care
• survey
• symptom control

Acknowledgements

Sabine M. Allida and Sajad Shehab are supported by an Australian Post-Graduate Award from the Australian Government. Dr Sally C Inglis is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow is currently supported by the Heart Foundation and the NSW Office for Medical Research through a Cardiovascular Research Network Life Science Research Fellowship.