The Experiences of Women with Chronic Heart Failure

Investigating the experiences of women with chronic heart failure is imperative to their health and quality of life. The current model that dominates health care has been biased in its approach to the diagnosis and treatment, provision of speciality care, and research of women with heart disease. Until health care professionals recognize this bias and change practices, and until there are new scientific discoveries in research that includes female participants, women with heart failure are destined to live with current practices and therapies. In light of these issues, a grounded theory study explored women's experiences with chronic heart failure. The importance of a social network, positive provider-client communication and multidisciplinary heart failure management was found to be key to satisfaction and positive outcomes for women. Further research is recommended after implementing new unique approaches for health care management of women with chronic heart failure.

Autorentext

Denise Boren hat an der Universität von San Diego in Pflegewissenschaft promoviert. Zu ihren Forschungsinteressen gehören Gesundheitspartnerschaft, Pflege und Frauen mit chronischer Herzinsuffizienz. Sie ist Dozentin an der California State University San Marcos. Beruflich ist sie Clinical Nurse Specialist mit Fachwissen über Herzinsuffizienz und Herzkrankheiten und Frauen.

Zusammenfassung

• Mild-mannered Dr Uzuki takes his Hippocratic oath quite seriously, so when he comes across a wounded yakuza named Nonami in an alley one night after work, he provides assistance. But when the yakuza shows up at Uzuki's hospital looking for the person who saved him, Uzuki is afraid for his life. Thank goodness he thinks he's looking for a woman named Suzuki. But, when Nonami can't find his Suzuki, he threatens the hospital staff into admitting him as a patient in order to do some sleuthing to find the woman he declares he has fallen for. Now forced to care for him as a patient, what will happen to Uzuki if Nonami learns the truth?!