Effects of an autonomy-supportive intervention programme (ASIP) on self-care, quality of life, and mental health in heart failure patients: a randomized controlled trial

PurposePatients with heart failure (HF) possess low self-care activation and motivation, leading to a deprived quality of life and adverse mental health conditions. To this end, self-determination theory emphasizes that autonomy-supportive interventions (ASI) can stimulate intrinsic motivation and improve behaviors and quality of life. Nevertheless, studies that focused on ASI for HF are inadequate. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an HF-ASIP on self-care, quality of life and mental health in HF patients.MethodsIn a two-arm randomized controlled trial, the participants are randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 41) or control (n = 41) groups. The intervention group received routine care and participated in an 8-week HF-ASIP, including individual education and consultation sessions. In contrast, the control group received only routine care. The primary outcome includes self-care management, while the secondary outcomes include self-care maintenance, quality of life, mental health, and motivation. After measuring the outcomes at baseline (T-0), 4-week (T-1), 8-week (T-2), and 12-week (T-3) follow-up, the intervention effects are assessed using the generalized equation models.ResultsThe outcomes indicated that self-care management (T-2: P = 0.001; T-3: P = 0.016), self-care maintenance (T-2: P = 0.003; T-3: P = 0.001), depression (T-2: P = 0.007; T-3: P = 0.012), anxiety (T-2: P = 0.001; T-3: P = 0.012), MLHFQ total score (T-1: P = 0.004; T-2: P < 0.001; T-3: P = 0.001), autonomous motivation (T-2: P = .0.006; T-3: P = 0.002) showed statistically difference between the groups.ConclusionIn summary, the 8-week HF-ASIP significantly improved the attributes of self-care, quality of life, mental health, and motivation in HF patients, suggesting the potential for practical intervention effect.