Learning Objective #1: Identify the effect of a self-management program on physical and functional status, health perception, and adherence of CHF patients

Learning Objective #2: Identify strategies to develop self-management for patients with other chronic illness

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Objectives: Recently, the number of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) has been increasing in Korea. The management of patients with CHF has been focused on rather symptomatic treatments for heart failure by far, than self- management. Efforts should be aimed at helping patients with heart failure to facilitate self-care. The purpose of this study was to identify effects of the self-management program on physical and functional status, health perception, and adherence of patients with CHF. Hypothesis: The experiment group will show lower scores in physical status, higher scores in functional status, health perception, and adherence than the control group. Design: Nonequivalent control group design with pretest and posttest. Sample and setting: The inclusion criteria of participant were 1) aged 18 years over, 2) NYHA II, III, or IV, and 3) below 50 % ejection fraction. Thirty participants met inclusion criteria were recruited by a convenience sampling. Instruments: Physical status, health perception, and adherence were measured using questionnaires developed by researcher. Functional status was measured by KASI (Korean Activity Scale/Index). Methods: The experimental group received the symptom focused self-management program and the control group received a written pamphlet including general information of CHF during admission. Data were collected on the 3rd day of admission and one month after discharge. Data analysis: Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann Whitney U test. Finding: None to report at time of abstract submission. Data analysis is on-going. Conclusions and implications: By facilitating self-management of CHF, it is anticipated that patients will be able to monitor their symptoms routinely, adhere to therapeutic regimen, and have self-competency to control their disease.