Impact of pharmacist mediated patient counseling in heart failure patients in terms of knowledge and quality of life

Abstract

Congestive heart failure is a major health problem. This is accompanied by restricted physical activity and severe complaints in several areas of quality of life. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of an educational program in the improvement of quality of life in heart failure patients. A prospective interventional study was conducted in 1000 bedded multi specialty private hospital to assess the knowledge and quality of life through pharmacist counseling by using modified Atlanta heart failure knowledge questionnaire and Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire. The male heart failure population (88%) was predominant compared to females (12%). and after 6 months which showed statistically significant improvement*P<0.0001. Ischemic heart disease was present in 32 patients which were identified as major etiological factor for heart failure. The level of knowledge had improved from the baseline to follow up after the educational session. A significant difference in quality of life score was achieved compared with that of the baseline. The pharmacist based intervention and counseling improved knowledge and quality of life in heart failure patients.