Positive Psychological Experiences in Chronic Heart Failure: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Aims: Determine the positive psychological experience of patients with chronic heart failure through a systematic literature review and to provide a reliable basis for their psychological care. Design: Qualitative meta-synthesis. Data Source: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to extract and analyse qualitative research from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Chinese Database, including China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Disc and VIP database from the inception of the database to 24 March 2024. Review Methods: Two researchers screened, extracted and cross-checked data. Disputes resolved via discussion or 3rd researcher. Irrelevant titles/abstracts were excluded; full-texts were reviewed for final inclusion. Results: A total of 17 qualitative studies yielded 58 results, categorised into 10 groups and synthesised into three themes: positive attitudes and emotional responses, positive changes after the disease diagnosis and supportive factors for positive psychology. Conclusions: Heart failure patients can experience positive psychology post-illness. Care providers should prioritise psychological assessment and support factors to meet needs, foster rehabilitation and improved quality of life. Patient or Public Contribution: CHF patients crucially contributed to this qualitative meta-synthesis by sharing insights into their positive psychological experiences, resilience and coping strategies.