TITLE:
Barriers in the Transition of Care for Heart Failure Patients Attending Clinics in Mwanza City, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Bahati M. K. Wajanga, Christine Y. Kim, Brandon A. Knettel, Adnan Juma, Neema Kayange, Evarist B. Msaki, Deodatus Mabula, Audax Z. Malulu, Robert N. Peck, John A. Bartlett, Charles Muiruri
KEYWORDS:
Heart Failure in Tanzania, Barrier, Transition of Care
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
21,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Transition of care strategies have shown to improve quality of lives of heart failure patients, but it has little implemented in clinical settings. Objective: To evaluate context-specific perceived barriers and experiences of heart failure patients during their admission and after they were discharged from hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among 13 heart failure patients at two large referral hospitals in northwestern Tanzania. In-depth interviews among heart failure patients, in line with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist, were used to collect data. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Results: Three key barriers were identified, as well as possible solutions that could improve the transition of care for heart failure patients. These include strengthening healthcare provider communications, organizing medication management, and assisting with follow-up appointments. Conclusion: The barriers identified are real and challenging in clinical resource-limited settings. Findings suggest they can be overcome when realistic and tailor-made interventions are in place.