Effectiveness of Pendleton's consultation model on the illness perception of heart failure patients

Background and aim : This study aimed to determine the effect of nursing consultation on the illness perception in heart failure patients. Methods : In this experimental study, 100 heart failure patients were recruited through the convenience sampling method and were assigned to intervention and control groups by block randomization. In the first phase of the intervention, the researchers implemented Pendleton’s consultation model. In the second phase, telephone follow-up was performed in four steps (first, second, sixth, and twelfth weeks). The data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ). Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 and using chi-square , paired t, independent t and covariance tests. Results : There was no significant difference in demographic variables, and illness perception between the two groups before the intervention (P <0.05). In the intervention group, the illness perception score increased from 31.33±10.94 to 33.49±10.25 after the intervention, which was not statistically significant (P >0.05). Comparison between the two groups showed, in the intervention group the mean score of illness perception significantly improved after the intervention compared to the control group (P = 0.003). Conclusion : The application of Pendleton's consultation model could improve the illness perception in heart failure patients. Relevance for patients: Considering that the cost of nursing consultations is not always low, it is suggested that nursing consultations be considered for patients with a higher number of sessions and telephone follow-ups for more efficacy if it is cost-effective.