%0 Journal Article
%T Outcomes of a chronic heart failure training program for health professionals
%A Rosemary Higgins
%A Hema S Navaratnam
%A Barbara M Murphy
%A Sandra Walker
%J Journal of Nursing Education and Practice
%D 2013
%I 
%R 10.5430/jnep.v3n7p68
%X The recent proliferation of chronic heart failure (CHF) disease management programs has created a need for greater provision of high quality training for health professionals in this area. Greater practitioner self-efficacy and positive practice change are both indicators of training impact. This study investigated the effects of health professional training by examining health professionals¡¯ self-efficacy and practice changes. In addition, perceived barriers to setting up a program for CHF patients were explored. A sample of 46 health professionals completed a questionnaire prior to and immediately after participation in the training program. Telephone interviews with participants were undertaken four months after training. Participants¡¯ self-efficacy significantly improved over the course of the training. This improvement was maintained four months later. Positive practice changes included translating knowledge into clinical practice, changing or setting up a program, improving patient management and education, implementing clinical pathways and using action plans. The major barriers experienced when setting up a program were limited funding and insufficient staff. One of the main highlights of this study was the increased self-efficacy of practitioners over the four month period, indicating the positive boost professional training can provide. This finding highlights participants¡¯ motivation to change professional practice and to set goals for practice change. More CHF training programs need to be developed and a stronger emphasis towards evaluating these programs is necessary to ensure a prepared and proactive workforce in this area.
%U http://www.sciedu.ca/journal/index.php/jnep/article/view/1683