The Effect of NICE Support Program on Frailty and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

The Effect of NICE Support Program on Frailty and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

This RCT study aims to examine effects of a NICE Support Program in heart failure patients.

The following hypotheses were tested: patients who received the NICE program will report significant improvement in frailty , social support, anxiety, and depression, quality of life, and nutritional assessment at baseline,4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.

This study aims to develop NICE Support program, and examine the effects of an NICE program in heart failure patients. An experimental design is used. Subjects are selected using a purposeful sampling and are randomly assigned to the intervention or control group by using block size randomization method. Patients in the intervention group will receive a 12 week NICE Support program including: individual consultation, nutritional consultation, teaching exercise which contain walking and resistance exercise by using elastic bands and elastic balls. Data are collected by physical indicators and a structural questionnaire to measure frailty, quality of life, social support, anxiety and depression, symptom distress at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks . Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t test, chi square, one way ANOVA and generalized estimating equation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged above 20 and stable condition and had received physical activity.
2. Clear consciousness, can communicate with Chinese and Taiwanese.
3. Consent to join in this study.
4. Have a smartphone and be able to join social media(Line: heart together-go go go )

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bed-ridden or unable to perform activities of daily living independently.
2. Unstable illness condition.
3. Emergency condition.
4. Contraindications of performing exercise such as uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled arrhythmia.
5. Patients with increased nerve, muscle, bone or rheumatoid diseases due to exercise