Presentation
DH2 - Mental Health Challenges of Heart Failure Patients & Caregivers: A Needs Assessment Study
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionBACKGROUND
Both heart failure (HF) patients and their caregivers face elevated risks of mental health illnesses. Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer promising solutions by providing discreet, remote support accessible 24/7. However, most existing DHIs do not address the unique needs of HF populations, leaving these groups underserved. A meta-review of current DHIs for mental health management in individuals with chronic conditions revealed that most DHIs have focused primarily on cancer, highlighting a gap in tailored support for HF populations.
RATIONALE
This needs assessment study forms a foundational sub-study for the Medly-SOLAR research project which aims to create an app-based DHI tailored for HF patients and their caregivers to address their mental health challenges.
Medly is a remote HF management system used as a standard of care at UHN—Canada’s top research hospital. The Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) program is an evidence-based DHI designed to support the mental health of traumatized individuals. SOLAR was developed by mental health experts at the University of Melbourne. The Medly-SOLAR research focuses on adapting SOLAR and introducing it to Medly to address the unique challenges experienced by HF patients and their caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and understand the mental health challenges and needs of Medly end users.
RESEARCH QUESTION
“What are the mental health challenges and needs of HF patients and their caregivers?”
METHODS
Eight participants—five HF patients and three caregivers—completed semi-structured, virtual interviews between September and November 2024. Each interview, lasting approximately one to two hours, was recorded with consent and transcribed for analysis. The interview questions explored participants' mental health challenges.
Data analysis involved thematic analysis, modeling, and narrative synthesis. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes and highlighted key mental health challenges experienced by participants. Modeling further examined how these challenges are interconnected, demonstrating their triggers and interrelationships. Narrative synthesis was applied to comprehensively summarize the findings.
RESULTS
For heart failure patients, eight key mental health challenges were identified: (1) anxiety, (2) extreme thoughts, (3) poor sleep, (4) fatigue, (5) feeling misunderstood, (6) isolation, (7) grief, and (8) depression. For caregivers, four key mental health challenges were identified: (1) anxiety, (2) feeling overwhelmed, (3) trauma, and (4) mood fluctuations.
CONCLUSION
This needs assessment study provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges experienced by HF patients and their caregivers. The identified challenges underscore the importance of developing targeted DHIs that consider these specific needs and unique circumstances of the HF journey. These findings directly inform the development of DHIs, like Medly-SOLAR, designed to manage the mental health of HF populations. By addressing these specific mental health challenges, the Medly-SOLAR research project will offer tailored solutions and support the well-being of HF patients and caregivers.
Both heart failure (HF) patients and their caregivers face elevated risks of mental health illnesses. Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer promising solutions by providing discreet, remote support accessible 24/7. However, most existing DHIs do not address the unique needs of HF populations, leaving these groups underserved. A meta-review of current DHIs for mental health management in individuals with chronic conditions revealed that most DHIs have focused primarily on cancer, highlighting a gap in tailored support for HF populations.
RATIONALE
This needs assessment study forms a foundational sub-study for the Medly-SOLAR research project which aims to create an app-based DHI tailored for HF patients and their caregivers to address their mental health challenges.
Medly is a remote HF management system used as a standard of care at UHN—Canada’s top research hospital. The Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) program is an evidence-based DHI designed to support the mental health of traumatized individuals. SOLAR was developed by mental health experts at the University of Melbourne. The Medly-SOLAR research focuses on adapting SOLAR and introducing it to Medly to address the unique challenges experienced by HF patients and their caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and understand the mental health challenges and needs of Medly end users.
RESEARCH QUESTION
“What are the mental health challenges and needs of HF patients and their caregivers?”
METHODS
Eight participants—five HF patients and three caregivers—completed semi-structured, virtual interviews between September and November 2024. Each interview, lasting approximately one to two hours, was recorded with consent and transcribed for analysis. The interview questions explored participants' mental health challenges.
Data analysis involved thematic analysis, modeling, and narrative synthesis. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes and highlighted key mental health challenges experienced by participants. Modeling further examined how these challenges are interconnected, demonstrating their triggers and interrelationships. Narrative synthesis was applied to comprehensively summarize the findings.
RESULTS
For heart failure patients, eight key mental health challenges were identified: (1) anxiety, (2) extreme thoughts, (3) poor sleep, (4) fatigue, (5) feeling misunderstood, (6) isolation, (7) grief, and (8) depression. For caregivers, four key mental health challenges were identified: (1) anxiety, (2) feeling overwhelmed, (3) trauma, and (4) mood fluctuations.
CONCLUSION
This needs assessment study provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges experienced by HF patients and their caregivers. The identified challenges underscore the importance of developing targeted DHIs that consider these specific needs and unique circumstances of the HF journey. These findings directly inform the development of DHIs, like Medly-SOLAR, designed to manage the mental health of HF populations. By addressing these specific mental health challenges, the Medly-SOLAR research project will offer tailored solutions and support the well-being of HF patients and caregivers.
Authors
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 314:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationFrontenac Foyer
Digital Health (DH)
Simulation and Education (SE)
Hospital Environments (HE)
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices (MDD)
Patient Safety and Research Initiatives (PS)