2019 to 2023: University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust – Dr Helen Walthall

Feasibility and acceptability of using a Patient Reported Outcome Measure (OxFAB) to help patients with heart failure to recognise and communicate symptoms to specialist nurses

The OxFAB study was designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of using a Patient Reported Outcome Measure to improve the way patients and health professionals communicate about common symptoms of Heart Failure; namely breathlessness and fatigue. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect feasibility and acceptability data through patient logs, completion of OxFAB and in-depth interviews. Findings showed that using OxFAB in secondary care Heart Failure services in England is acceptable and feasible for patients. Completion of OxFAB by patients was not reported as burdensome, and in fact offered them an opportunity to lead consultations and discuss their symptoms. Although a minority preferred not to focus upon their symptoms as it increased their anxiety, importantly, OxFAB completion promoted self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of heart failure symptoms. This ‘learning’ may improve patients’ self-management. A large-scale evaluation of OxFAB is required to fully understand its potential as a tool to support heart failure symptom communication and self-management. 

H Walthall, L Diaz, E Harris, F Astin, (2023) Feasibility and acceptability of using a patient reported outcome measure (OxFAB) to help patients with heart failure to recognise and communicate worsening symptoms to specialist nurses, European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 22(1)