Evaluating a self-management program to improve knowledge and self-care for people with heart failure (HF) in Vietnam

The intervention is a self-management program consisting of a one-hour individual educational session, provision of a HF booklet, a diary and weighing scale. Participants receive the self-management program at discharge. The booklet is adapted with permission from the Australian National Heart Foundation. The one-hour individual educational session aims to provide participants with knowledge and self-management in heart failure. Educational topics which are delivered by a trained nurse cover HF signs and symptoms, symptom management, advice regarding fluid and weight management, salt restrictions, medication use, exercise, recognition of worsening symptoms and alerting signs to seek help. The teach-back method is used as a teaching method to ensure understanding of information provided during educational session and during one follow-up phone call 2 weeks after that. The follow-up phone call (takes approximately 10 minutes) is purposeful to reinforce educational messages and promote adherence. The participants are taught how and when to measure their weight and to record in the diary. The diary also provides space for participants to record their symptoms, amount of fluid intake, blood pressure and list of medications.