ASSESSMENT OF PALLIATIVE CARE NEEDS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HEART FAILURE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

• Grant number: 25/00114-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Rosana Aparecida Spadoti Dantas
• Grantee: Kethlen Louise Palha Ferrari
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic condition with high prevalence and mortality, often associated with reduced quality of life and representing a primary indication for Palliative Care (PC). Several barriers and challenges hinder the timely provision of PC, including difficulties in recognizing physical, spiritual, and psychosocial suffering. Mixed methods, combining validated scales and open-ended interviews, enable a more comprehensive analysis by integrating quantitative and qualitative data. Assessing palliative care needs and exploring the perceptions of HF patients regarding their care requirements may contribute to the recognition of PC as essential for this population. This mixed-methods study aims to assess the need for palliative care in a sample of adult and elderly HF patients hospitalized at the Hospital das Clínicas of Ribeirão Preto, following approval from the Ethics Committee. Data collection is scheduled between April 2025 and December 2026. Clinical and sociodemographic data will be gathered through individual interviews and medical record reviews. During the quantitative phase, patients will complete the POS-Br and NYHA scales. In the qualitative phase, focus groups will be conducted using open-ended questions. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including effect size calculations, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. Data processing and analysis will be performed using SPSS software version 24.0 for Windows and MAXQDA version 2020.