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The aims of this paper were to provide an overview of available activity monitors used in research in patients with heart failure and to identify the key criteria in the selection of the most appropriate activity monitor for collecting, reporting, and analysing physical activity in heart failure research. This study was conducted in three parts. First, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify physical activity concepts and activity monitors used in heart failure research. Second, an additional scoping literature search for validation of these activity monitors was conducted. Third, the most appropriate criteria in the selection of activity monitors were identified. Nine activity monitors were evaluated in terms of size, weight, placement, costs, data storage, water resistance, outcomes and validation, and cut-off points for physical activity intensity levels were discussed. The choice of a monitor should depend on the research aims, study population and design regarding physical activity. If the aim is to motivate patients to be active or set goals, a less rigorously tested tool can be considered. On the other hand, if the aim is to measure physical activity and its changes over time or following treatment adjustment, it is important to choose a valid activity monitor with a storage and battery longevity of at least one week. The device should provide raw data and valid cut-off points should be chosen for analysing physical activity intensity levels. Other considerations in choosing an activity monitor should include data storage location and ownership and the upfront costs of the device. Funding Agencies|European Society of Cardiology Funding Source: Medline

BACKGROUND: Decreased appetite can contribute to malnutrition in patients with heart failure (HF). Little is known about the trajectory of appetite over time in patients with HF and the factors associated with decreased appetite after discharge from the hospital. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate changes in appetite over time and explore how fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life are associated with decreased appetite. METHODS: Data from the multicenter randomized Coordinating study evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart Failure were used. Logistic regression and mixed-effects logistic regression were used to investigate changes in appetite over time and to explore the relationship between appetite and fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 734 patients with HF (mean age, 69 years) were included. Decreased appetite was present at all follow-up measurements; however, decreased appetite was significantly lower at the 1-month (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.63), 6-month (OR, 0.31; CI, 0.20-0.47), 12-month (OR, 0.22; CI, 0.14-0.34), and 18-month (OR, 0.24; CI, 0.15-0.37) follow-ups compared with baseline. Decreased appetite was associated with fatigue (OR, 3.09; CI, 1.98-4.84), depressive symptoms (OR, 1.76; CI, 1.35-2.29), and low quality of life (OR, 1.01; CI, 1.01-1.02) across all measurement points adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Appetite improved after discharge; however, at all time points, at least 22% of patients reported decreased appetite. Fatigue, depressive symptoms, and low quality of life are factors associated with decreased appetite. Decreased appetite is a long-standing problem in that it does not disappear spontaneously after an acute HF deterioration. Funding: Netherlands Heart FoundationNetherlands Heart Foundation [2000Z003]; Biosite France SAS; Jouy-en-Josas, France (brain natriuretic peptide); Roche Diagnostics Nederland BV, Venlo, the Netherlands; Novartis Pharma BV, Arnhem, the NetherlandsNetherlands Government

Background: Among Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implanted patients, body image modifications might occur. Objectives: To explore the associations between sexual functioning, confidence in LVAD technology, personal wellbeing, and body image. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 30 conveniently recruited LVAD implanted patients who completed Body Image Scale, sexual functioning, confidence in LVAD technology, and Personal Wellbeing Index questionnaires. The associations between the research variables were examined with multiple regression analyses. Results: The mean age of the participants was 63 (SD=10), 90% were men. The mean scores were: sexual functioning 2.43 (SD=1.20, range 1-5); confidence in LVAD technology 2.63 (SD=1.04, range 1-5); Well-Being Index 6.61 (SD=1.53, range 0-10); and body image 14.5 (SD=4.17, range 5-20). Sexual functioning (p

Heart failure (HF) is common and associated with a poor prognosis, despite advances in treatment. Over the last decade cardiovascular outcome trials with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have demonstrated beneficial effects for three SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin) in reducing hospitalisations for HF. More recently, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening HF or death from cardiovascular causes in patients with chronic HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. A number of additional trials in HF patients with reduced and/or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction are ongoing and/or about to be reported. The present position paper summarises recent clinical trial evidence and discusses the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of HF, pending the results of ongoing trials in different populations of patients with HF.

Cardiovascular (CV) imaging is an important tool in baseline risk assessment and detection of CV disease in oncology patients receiving cardiotoxic cancer therapies. This position statement examines the role of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, nuclear cardiac imaging and computed tomography in the management of cancer patients. The Imaging and Cardio-Oncology Study Groups of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in collaboration with the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the Cardio-Oncology Council of the ESC have evaluated the current evidence for the value of modern CV imaging in the cardio-oncology field. The most relevant echocardiographic parameters, including global longitudinal strain and three-dimensional ejection fraction, are proposed. The protocol for baseline pre-treatment evaluation and specific surveillance algorithms or pathways for anthracycline chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapies such as trastuzumab, vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, BCr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are presented. The indications for CV imaging after completion of oncology treatment are considered. The typical consequences of radiation therapy and the possibility of their identification in the long term are also summarized. Special populations are discussed including female survivors planning pregnancy, patients with carcinoid disease, patients with cardiac tumours and patients with right heart failure. Future directions and ongoing CV imaging research in cardio-oncology are discussed.

Aim The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of two single-item self-report (SR) questions to assess physical inactivity in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods and results This is a cross-sectional study using data from 106 patients with HF equipped with accelerometers for 1 week each. Two SR items relating to physical activity were also collected. Correlations between accelerometer activity counts and the SR items were analysed. Patients were classified as physically active or inactive on the basis of accelerometer counts, and the SR items were used to try to predict that classification. Finally, patients were classified as having high self-reported physical activity or low self-reported physical activity, on the basis of the SR items, and the resulting groups were analysed for differences in actual physical activity. There were significant but weak correlations between the SR items and accelerometer counts: rho = 0.24, P = 0.016 for SR1 and rho = 0.21, P = 0.033 for SR2. Using SR items to predict whether a patient was physically active or inactive produced an area under the curve of 0.62 for SR1, with a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 30%. When dividing patients into groups on the basis of SR1, there was a significant difference of 1583 steps per day, or 49% more steps in the high self-reported physical activity group (P < 0.001). Conclusions There might be utility in the single SR question for high-specificity screening of large populations to identify physically inactive patients in order to assign therapeutic interventions efficiently where resources are limited. Funding Agencies|Swedish National Science Council [K2013-69X-22302-01-3, 2016-01390]; Swedish National Science Council/Swedish research council for health, working life and welfare, VR-FORTE [2014-4100]; Swedish Heart and Lung AssociationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [E085/12]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20130340, 20160439]; Vardal Foundation [2014-0018]; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden [FORSS 474681]

In March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Patients with cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure (HF), are disproportionately impacted by this new disease. Escalating mortality figures and pressures on staff and resources have challenged us on how best to support those affected, and how to deal with death and dying. This short paper will review health practice and policy changes arising from this coronavirus pandemic and signpost a selection of available tools and resources that can assist healthcare professionals in providing optimal palliative and end of life care for HF patients in the current and post COVID-19 eras. As shielding and social distancing of varying degrees was instigated across most European countries, the provision of conventional models of HF service delivery was either suspended, or reconstituted in a virtual format through telephone consultations or the use of telemedicine.1–3 Clinical trial evidence confirms that the integration of telehealth bolsters HF practice,4–6 but today’s service providers noted requests for information from many patient-carer dyads on ‘keeping well’ and ‘who to contact’ if HF symptoms deteriorated. Services also reported the worrying observation of a reduced number of patients across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease attending hospital Emergency Departments. The effect of this trend may become evident later, in an increase in all-cause mortality as further data emerge. Recent position statements released both nationally and internationally have reiterated the importance of maintaining HF specialist services to facilitate prompt healthcare access for patients at points of crisis,3,7,8 requiring professionals to adopt variants of a previously accepted HF service structure.9 As the pandemic subsides and HF services are reconfigured, some effective elements of the new virtual care models could be incorporated, avoiding some of the risks inherent in care transitions, and consolidating a more seamless continuum between hospital-based clinics and primary care.

Aim In PARADIGM-HF, sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated superiority to enalapril in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Several patient-centred outcomes like improved physical activity and quality of life have been emphasised as important treatment goals in HF management. OUTSTEP-HF has been designed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril on non-sedentary daytime physical activity in patients with HFrEF. Methods OUTSTEP-HF is a randomised, actively controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study that plans to enrol 600 ambulatory patients with symptomatic HFrEF in 19 European countries. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg bid or enalapril 10 mg bid. The primary objective of the study is to assess changes from baseline (Week 0) to Week 12 in exercise capacity measured by the 6-min walk test and in daily non-sedentary daytime activity. Physical activity and objective sleep parameters will be measured by accelerometry using a wrist-worn device, worn continuously from screening (Week -2) until the end of study (Week 12). As a co-primary outcome, changes from baseline in sub-maximal exercise capacity will be assessed by the 6-min walk test. Patient- and physician-reported questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life, changes in signs and symptoms of HF and sleep parameters. Conclusion OUTSTEP-HF will be the largest randomised trial in HF to date to use non-invasive accelerometry to assess whether treatment with sacubitril/valsartan improves patients' daily physical activity and exercise capacity compared with enalapril.

Family caregivers of an older person who was recently hospitalized often feel unprepared for their new or expanded tasks. Quality and continuity of care for older people is expected to improve when nurses collaborate with family caregivers as partners in care. The aim of this study was to explore the unique contribution of collaboration between family caregivers of older patients and hospital nurses as a possible predictor for preparedness of caregiving after hospital discharge. With a cross sectional design, a postal survey was sent to 777 family caregivers of home-dwelling hospitalized patients (≥70 years). Regression analyses were used to test the association between collaboration and preparedness for caregiving. In total, 506 (68%) family caregivers responded of whom 281 (38%) were eligible. Their mean (SD) age was 65 (13) and 71% were female. Family caregivers' level of collaboration with nurses was significantly associated with their preparedness for caregiving.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of self-care behaviour is important for tailoring care to patients and evaluating the effectiveness of heart failure (HF) disease-management programmes. The European HF Self-care Behaviour (EHFScB) scale is a validated instrument used worldwide. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the nine-item EHFScB scale in Israeli patients with HF. METHOD: To develop the Hebrew version of the EHFScB scale, forward and back translation was performed. The psychometric evaluation was based on data from 102 patients with HF (mean age 61±12 yr, male 75%, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class II 42% and NYHA class III 51%) included in two cross-sectional studies performed in 2007 and 2015-2017 in an Israeli hospital. Content validity, construct validity, known-groups validity, and discriminant validity were assessed. Reliability was evaluated with internal consistency. RESULTS: Content validity and useability were confirmed by HF experts and patients with HF. Construct validity was tested using factor analysis and two factors were extracted (factor 1: consulting behaviour; factor 2: adherence to the regimen). Known-groups validity testing revealed a significant difference before and after an educational intervention in the total score (n=40 [41.6±23.8] vs [67.6±21.8]; pFunding agencies: Swedish National Science Council [K2013-69X-22302-01-3, 2016-01390]; Swedish National Science Council/Swedish research council for health, working life and welfare (VR-FORTE) [2014-4100]; Swedish Heart and Lung AssociationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [E0

Aim According to guidelines, a prognosis should be discussed with all heart failure (HF) patients. However, many patients do not have these conversations with a healthcare provider. The aim of this study was to describe attitudes of cardiologists in Sweden and the Netherlands regarding this topic. Methods and results A survey was sent to 250 cardiologists in Sweden and the Netherlands with questions whether should the prognosis be discussed, what time should the prognosis be discussed, whom should discuss, what barriers were experienced and how difficult it is to discuss the prognosis (scale from 1-10). A total of 88 cardiologists participated in the study. Most cardiologists (82%) reported to discussing the prognosis with all HF patients; 47% at the time of diagnoses. The patients own cardiologist, another cardiologist, the HF nurse, or the general practitioner could discuss this with the patient. Important barriers were cognitive problems (69%) and a lack of time (64%). Cardiologists found it not very difficult to discuss the topic (mean score 4.2) with a significant difference between Swedish and Dutch cardiologist (4.7 vs. 3.7; P < 0.05). Conclusion Most cardiologists found it important to discuss the prognosis with HF patients although there are several barriers. Swedish cardiologists found it more difficult compared with their Dutch colleagues. A multidisciplinary approach seems important for improvement of discussing prognosis with HF patients. Funding Agencies|FORTE [201702227]

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) support the diseased heart of patients with advanced heart failure and are used as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy for patients ineligible for heart transplantation. Body image changes, as well as anxiety and depression, are prevalent among patients with an implanted LVAD. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether a relationship exists between body image and personal well-being among patients with an implanted LVAD and, if it does, whether it is moderated by anxiety and depression. Methods In this cross-sectional correlational study, a convenience sample of 30 adult patients with an implanted LVAD (mean age, 63 +/- 10; 90% male) from the outpatient facility of a tertiary medical center completed validated instruments including the Body Image Scale, Cosmetic Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Personal Well-being Index, from October 2017 to February 2018. Results were subjected to multivariate linear regression and bootstrap moderation analyses. Results Eleven patients (37%) had below-average personal well-being scores, and 14 patients (47%) had below-average body image scores. Seven (23%) had either anxiety or depression, and 11 (37%) had both anxiety and depression. Body image was found to be a significant predictor of personal well-being (t = 2.16, P = .04). When anxiety and depression were present, body image (t = 2.08, P = .049), depression (t = 2.53, P = .018), and the interaction between body image and depression (t = -2.1, P = .047) were significantly associated with personal well-being. Conclusions Body image significantly predicted personal well-being among patients with an implanted LVAD. Depression alone, or depression combined with anxiety, moderated the relationships between body image and personal well-being. The current results may help to heighten healthcare providers awareness of body image perception among patients with an implanted LVAD.

Background: Thirst is a distressing symptom and influences quality of life of patients with heart failure (HF). Knowledge about thirst in HF is insufficient; therefore, the aim of this study was to describe factors related to thirst, self-reported reasons for thirst, and interventions to relieve thirst in 3 different countries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Japan. Patients were recruited at the HF clinic or during HF hospitalization. Thirst was assessed by a visual analog scale (0-100); reasons for thirst and interventions to relieve thirst were assessed by an open-ended questionnaire. Patients were divided into low and high thirst based on the first and third tertiles of the visual analog scale. Results: Two hundred sixty-nine patients participated in the study (age, 72 +/- 12 years). Mean thirst intensity was 24 +/- 24, with a mean thirst of 53 +/- 15 in the highest tertile. No significant differences in thirst among the 3 countries were found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a higher dose of loop diuretics (odds ratio, 3.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-8.06) and fluid restriction (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.32) were related to thirst. The most reported reasons for thirst were salty/spicy food (20%) and low fluid intake (18%). Most of the patients (56%) drank more in case of thirst; 20% only drank a little bit, probably related to a fluid restriction. Conclusions: Thirst in patients with HF was related to a higher dose of loop diuretics and fluid restriction. Healthcare providers should realize that it is important to assess thirst regularly and reconsider the need of a fluid restriction and the amount of loop diuretics in case of thirst.

To further advance the use of a heart-failure-specific question prompt list (HF-QPL) for communication about prognosis and end-of-life care, knowledge about such communication and the perceptions and experiences of professionals is needed.1. to describe health care professionals' perceptions of communication about prognosis and end-of-life in heart failure (HF) care, and 2. to describe their experiences of using a HF-QPL.A qualitative design that analyzed material from written assignments of nurses and physicians who were using a HF-QPL while participating in a communication course.Fifteen health care professionals from different regions in the south of Sweden were included. The data were collected from course assignments on 1. their reflection on the suitable timepoint for talking about prognosis for the first time, 2. their reflection on the HF-QPL, and 3. their experiences of using the HF-QPL in clinical practice. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Five overarching themes were identified. The first theme was awareness of professional role responsibilities that described the recognition of different responsibilities in these conversations within the HF team. The second theme described the importance of being optimally prepared, and the third that confidence and skills are required to use the HF-QPL. The fourth theme described the HF-QPL as a bridge in the communication between professionals, patients, and family members. The fifth theme identified challenges using the HF-QPL in HF care.Using a HF-QPL in HF care has the potential to start conversation and facilitate discussion about the HF trajectory.

Objective: To characterize and explain variation in the comparative effectiveness of self-care interventions on relevant outcomes of chronic illness compared with controls. Design: Meta-analysis and meta-regression. Methods: Data extraction was framed within the context of a previously-published scoping review of randomized trials designed to enhance self-care in type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hypertension, asthma, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (published between 2008 and 2019). Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Meta-regression was used to test the effect of potential moderators on trial effectiveness. Results: 145 trials involving 36,853 participants were included. Overall, the effect size of self-care interventions on improving outcomes was small (Hedges g = 0.29 (95% CI = 0.25-0.33), p < 0.001) with statistically significant heterogeneity across trials (Q = 514.85, p < 0.001, I2 = 72.0%). A majority of trials (n = 83, 57.2%) were rated as having a high risk of bias. There was no statistically significant difference in trial effectiveness based on the use of theory, specific components of self-care addressed, the number of modes of delivery, the number of behavioral change techniques, specific modes of delivery, specific behavioral change techniques, intervention duration, total number of hours of intervention, or either participant age or gender.Conclusions: Self-care interventions are modestly effective in improving outcomes. Poor trial quality limits the strength of conclusions in this area of science. There is much to be done to enhance the design, conduct and reporting of self-care trials in order to gain more insight into the effectiveness of self-care interventions.

Self-care is the most important cornerstone of diabetes treatment. As self-care is affected by cultural beliefs, it is important for healthcare professionals to be able to adapt their educational approach and to be culturally competent. The aim of this study was to describe the cultural competence in Swedish healthcare professionals, specialised in diabetes care and to examine related factors for cultural competence. The healthcare professionals' perceived level of cultural competence was measured across three domains-Openness and awareness, Workplace support and Interaction skills-in 279 Swedish healthcare professionals from all 21 regions of Sweden, using the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument (Swedish version-CCAI-S). Descriptive statistics were used to describe cultural competence in healthcare professionals, and linear regression was conducted to examine factors related to cultural competence. Of the healthcare professionals studied, 58% perceived that they had a high level of Openness and awareness, 35% perceived that they had a high level of Interaction skills and 6% perceived that they had a high level of Workplace support. Two factors were found to be related to cultural competence, namely, high percentage of migrant clients at the healthcare clinic and whether the healthcare professionals previously had developed cultural competence through practical experience, education and/or by themselves. In conclusion, most healthcare professionals perceived that they had cultural openness and awareness but need more support from their workplace to improve their interaction skills. Cultural competence-related education could support the healthcare professionals to develop interaction skills.

International audience; Cardiac remodelling refers to changes in left ventricular structure and function over time, with a progressive deterioration that may lead to heart failure (HF) development (adverse remodelling) or vice versa a recovery (reverse remodelling) in response to HF treatment. Adverse remodelling predicts a worse outcome, whilst reverse remodelling predicts a better prognosis. The geometry, systolic and diastolic function and electric activity of the left ventricle are affected, as well as the left atrium and on the long term even right heart chambers. At a cellular and molecular level, remodelling involves all components of cardiac tissue: cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and leucocytes. The molecular, cellular and histological signatures of remodelling may differ according to the cause and severity of cardiac damage, and clearly to the global trend toward worsening or recovery. These processes cannot be routinely evaluated through endomyocardial biopsies, but may be reflected by circulating levels of several biomarkers. Different classes of biomarkers (e.g. proteins, non-coding RNAs, metabolites and/or epigenetic modifications) and several biomarkers of each class might inform on some aspects on HF development, progression and long-term outcomes, but most have failed to enter clinical practice. This may be due to the biological complexity of remodelling, so that no single biomarker could provide great insight on remodelling when assessed alone. Another possible reason is a still incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling. Such role will be investigated in the first part of this review paper on biomarkers of cardiac remodelling.

[Abstract] The accepted use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology as a good alternative for the treatment of patients with advanced heart failure together with the improved survival of the LVAD-supported patients on the device and the scarcity of donor hearts has significantly increased the population of LVAD-supported patients. The expected and non-expected device-related and patient-device interaction complications impose a significant burden on the medical system exceeding the capacity of the LVAD implanting centres. The ageing of the LVAD-supported patients, mainly those supported with the 'destination therapy' indication, increases the risk for those patients to experience comorbidities common in the older population. The probability of an LVAD-supported patient presenting with medical emergency to a local emergency department, internal, or surgical ward of a non-LVAD implanting centre is increasing. The purpose of this trilogy is to supply the immediate tools needed by the non-LVAD specialized physician: ambulance clinicians, emergency ward physicians, general cardiologists, internists, anaesthesiologists, and surgeons, to comply with the medical needs of this fast-growing population of LVAD-supported patients. The different issues discussed will follow the patient's pathway from the ambulance to the emergency department and from the emergency department to the internal or surgical wards and eventually to the discharge home from the hospital back to the general practitioner. In this first part of the trilogy on the management of LVAD-supported patients for the non-LVAD specialist healthcare provider, after the introduction on the assist devices technology in general, definitions and structured approach to the assessment of the LVAD-supported patient in the ambulance and emergency department is presented including cardiopulmonary resuscitation for LVAD-supported patients.

Aims Cognitive impairment (CI) in heart failure (HF) patients has mostly been studied in single countries in specific health care settings. Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the global CI and CI dimensions are still unclear. We described CI in a diverse HF population recruited in several countries and in different health care settings and investigated sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the global and specific CI dimensions in HF patients. Methods and results A secondary analysis from the baseline data of the Wii-HF trial. Patients (n = 605) were enrolled in Sweden, Italy, Israel, The Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to evaluate CI and the 6 minute walk test (6MWT) to measure exercise capacity. Patients were on average 67 years old (SD, 12), and 86% were in New York Heart Association Class II and III. The mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was 24 (SD, 4), and 67% of patients had at least a mild CI. The item evaluating short-term memory had a considerable proportion of low scoring patients (28.1%). Worse CI was associated with patients older age, lower education, and lower 6MWT scores (R-2 = 0.27). CI dimension scores were differently associated with specific clinical and demographic variables, but the 6MWT scores were associated with five out of seven CI dimension scores. Conclusions CI is an important problem in HF patients, with specific challenges in regard to memory. Exercise capacity is a modifiable factor that could be improved in HF patients with the potential to improve cognition and other outcomes in this population. Funding Agencies|Swedish National Science Council [K2013-69X-22302-01-3, 2016-01390]; Swedish National Science Council/Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (VR-FORTE) [2014-4100]; Swedish Heart and Lung AssociationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [E085/12]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20130340, 20160439]; Vardal Foundation [2014-0018]; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden [FORSS 474681]

Heart failure is a major and growing health problem that imposes a significant human and economic burden on individuals, families, and society through the associated high mortality, morbidity, and hospital readmission rates. It also impairs the quality of life and well-being of patients, families, and carers. The management of patients with heart failure depends on a detailed, systematic clinical assessment of their clinical presentation. Although treatments, especially pharmacological ones, but also devices, are increasingly effective, patients with heart failure and their families need education and support to help them understand and cope with treatments and any complications, make adjustments to their lifestyle, adhere to treatments, and take responsibility for their self-care.

These are the clinical practice guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, from 2021.

[Abstract] The improvement in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology and scarcity of donor hearts have increased dramatically the population of the LVAD-supported patients and the probability of those patients to present to the emergency department with expected and non-expected device-related and patient-device interaction complications. The ageing of the LVAD-supported patients, mainly those supported with the 'destination therapy' indication, increases the risk for those patients to suffer from other co-morbidities common in the older population. In this second part of the trilogy on the management of LVAD-supported patients for the non-LVAD specialist healthcare provider, definitions and structured approach to the LVAD-supported patient presenting to the emergency department with bleeding, neurological event, pump thrombosis, chest pain, syncope, and other events are presented. The very challenging issue of declaring death in an LVAD-supported patient, as the circulation is artificially preserved by the device despite no other signs of life, is also discussed in detail.

BackgroundDecisions about how to manage bothersome symptoms of chronic illness are complex and influenced by factors related to the patient, their illness, and their environment. Naturalistic decision-making describes decision-making when conditions are dynamically evolving, and the decision maker may be uncertain because the situation is ambiguous and missing information. Contextual factors, including time stress, the perception of high stakes, and input from others may facilitate or complicate decisions about the self-care of symptoms. There is no valid instrument to measure these contextual factors. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a self-report instrument measuring the contextual factors that influence self-care decisions about symptoms.MethodsItems were drafted from the literature and refined with patient input. Content validity of the instrument was evaluated using a Delphi survey of expert clinicians and researchers, and cognitive interviews with adults with chronic illness. Psychometric testing included exploratory factor analysis to test dimensionality, item response theory-based approaches for item recalibration, confirmatory factor analysis to generate factor determinacy scores, and evaluation of construct validity.ResultsTen contextual factors influencing decision-making were identified and multiple items per factor were generated. Items were refined based on cognitive interviews with five adults with chronic illness. After a two round Delphi survey of expert clinicians (n = 12) all items had a content validity index of > 0.78. Five additional adults with chronic illness endorsed the relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the inventory during cognitive interviews. Initial psychometric testing (n = 431) revealed a 6-factor multidimensional structure that was further refined for precision, and high multidimensional reliability (0.864). In construct validity testing, there were modest associations with some scales of the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory.ConclusionThe Self-Care Decisions Inventory is a 27-item self-report instrument that measures the extent to which contextual factors influence decisions about symptoms of chronic illness. The six scales (external, urgency, uncertainty, cognitive/affective, waiting/cue competition, and concealment) reflect naturalistic decision making, have excellent content validity, and demonstrate high multidimensional reliability. Additional testing of the instrument is needed to evaluate clinical utility.

BACKGROUND Thirst is one of the most intense and distressing symptoms experienced by patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and no validated measurement tools exist. Validating a thirst measurement tool for the ICU population could be a first step in gaining a better understanding of thirst in ICU patients and aid the development and implementation of strategies regarding the prevention and control of thirst. AIM The objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the "Thirst distress scale for patients with heart failure (TDS-HF)" in measuring thirst distress in adult ICU patients. METHODS Content validity was established by an expert panel consisting of ICU nurses, intensivists and five ICU patients. Concurrent validity, known-groups validity and internal consistency were determined in a consecutive sample of 56 awake and oriented ICU patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR: 57-74). RESULTS Content validity of the TDS-HF in the ICU population was low, with item-content validity indexes between 0.25 and 0.75. Concurrent validity was high as Spearman's correlation between TDS-HF and the numeric rating score (0-10) for thirst distress was 0.71. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.78). When comparing groups, only higher blood urea nitrogen was significantly related to higher scores on the TDS-HF (P = .003). CONCLUSION The TDS-HF has high concurrent validity and reliability in measuring thirst distress in ICU patients. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the applicability and content validity of the scale, which should be further explored before the TDS-HF can be used in the ICU. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE The TDS-HF can be used to explore thirst distress and to evaluate interventions. Individual items of the scale can be used to explore the nature of thirst distress in individual patients.

Rapid contact with emergency medical services is imperative to save the lives of acute myocardial infarction patients. However, many patients turn to a telehealth advisory nurse instead, where the delivery of urgent and safe care largely depends on how the interaction in the call is established.The purpose of this study was to explore the interaction between tele-nurses and callers with an evolving myocardial infarction after contacting a national telehealth advisory service number as their first medical contact.Twenty men and 10 women (aged 46-89 years) were included. Authentic calls were analysed using inductive content analysis.One overall category, Movement towards directed level of care, labelled the whole interaction between the tele-nurse and the caller. Four categories conceptualised the different interactions: a distinct, reasoning, indecisive or irrational interaction. The interactions described how tele-nurses and callers assessed and elaborated on symptoms, context and actions. The interaction was pivotal for progress in the dialogue and affected the achievement of mutual understanding in the communicative process. An indecisive or irrational interaction could increase the risk of failing to recommend or call for acute care.The interaction in the communication could either lead or mislead the level of care directed in the call. This study adds new perspectives to the communicative process in the acute setting in order to identify a myocardial infarction and the level of urgency from both individuals experiencing myocardial infarction and professionals in the health system.

The Appropriateness and Presentation of Commonly Available Cardiovascular Web Pages Providing Information About Cardiovascular Diseases.

Background Exercise training programmes (ETPs) are a crucial component in cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure (HF) patients. The Exercise Training in HF (ExTraHF) survey has reported poor implementation of ETPs in countries affiliated to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The aim of the present sub-analysis was to investigate the regional variations in the implementation of ETPs for HF patients. Methods and results The study was designed as a web-based survey of cardiac units, divided into five areas, according to the geographical location of the countries surveyed. Overall, 172 centres replied to the survey, in charge of 78 514 patients, differentiated in 52 Northern (n = 15 040), 48 Southern (n = 27 127), 34 Western (n = 11 769), 24 Eastern European (n = 12 748), and 14 extra-European centres (n = 11 830). Greater ETP implementation was observed in Western (76%) and Northern (63%) regions, whereas lower rates were seen in Southern (58%), Eastern European (50%) and extra-European (36%) regions. The leading barrier was the lack of resources in all (83-65%) but Western region (37%) where patients were enrolled in dedicated settings and specialized units (75%). In 40% of centres, non-inclusion of ETP in the national or local guideline pathway accounted for the lack of ETP implementation. Conclusion Exercise training programmes are poorly implemented in the ESC affiliated countries, mainly because of the lack of resources and/or national and local guidelines. The linkage with dedicated cardiac rehabilitation centres (as in the Western region) or the model of local rehabilitation services adopted in Northern countries may be considered as options to overcome these gaps.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has published a series of guidelines on heart failure (HF) over the last 25 years, most recently in 2016. Given the amount of new information that has become available since then, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC recognized the need to review and summarise recent developments in a consensus document. Here we report from the HFA workshop that was held in January 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany. This expert consensus report is neither a guideline update nor a position statement, but rather a summary and consensus view in the form of consensus recommendations. The report describes how these guidance statements are supported by evidence, it makes some practical comments, and it highlights new research areas and how progress might change the clinical management of HF. We have avoided re-interpretation of information already considered in the 2016 ESC/HFA guidelines. Specific new recommendations have been made based on the evidence from major trials published since 2016, including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus, MitraClip for functional mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation ablation in HF, tafamidis in cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis, rivaroxaban in HF, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in non-ischaemic HF, and telemedicine for HF. In addition, new trial evidence from smaller trials and updated meta-analyses have given us the chance to provide refined recommendations in selected other areas. Further, new trial evidence is due in many of these areas and others over the next 2 years, in time for the planned 2021 ESC guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure.

AimsThe European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS) is frequently used to assess self-care behaviours in patients with heart failure. This scale has been translated into several languages. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstrument (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist for a systematic review has recently been published. The aim of the study was to assess the methodological quality of studies reporting on psychometric evaluations of the EHFScBS using the COSMIN methodology.Methods and resultsTo identify relevant studies, a systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and CINAHL databases in December 2019 and the search was updated in June 2020. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist was used to assess the methodological quality. In total, 21 relevant studies were rated. The overall methodological quality of content validity was rated as inadequate in 17 studies and a main reason of the inadequate rating was a lack of patient involvement. Structural validity was adequately addressed in 12 studies, internal consistency in seven, and eight of 11 studies reporting on construct validity and had good methodological quality.ConclusionAlthough the use of the EHFScBS has grown rapidly and the validity and reliability are reported to be good, the methodological quality of studies reporting on psychometric properties of the scale is not optimal. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence on validity and reliability of the EHFScBS.

Purpose To examine profiles in patients with heart failure (HF) regarding their exercise motivation and self-efficacy. Patients & Methods The baseline data of patients with HF participating in the HF-Wii study were analysed. In total, 517 patients were divided into four groups based on their exercise motivation (exercise motivation index) and self-efficacy (exercise self-efficacy scale). To describe the differences in demographic and clinical variables between the groups, chi-square cross-tabulations and ANOVAs were conducted. Results The four groups were labelled as insecure avoiders (25%), laid-back strugglers (10%), conscientious self-doubters (42%) and determined achievers (22%). Patients’ profiles differ according to their motivations and self-efficacy towards exercise. Most patients were conscientious self-doubters (high motivation and low self-efficacy), and these patients had more comorbidities and lower exercise capacity compared to the other groups, which could decrease their confidence in exercising. However, only half of the patients who were determined achievers (high motivation and high self-efficacy) reached the recommended amount of physical activity per week. This indicates that motivation and self-efficacy are crucial determinants, but more factors are important for becoming more physically active. Conclusion Understanding patients’ motivations and self-efficacy are necessary in order to provide meaningful physical activity counselling and promotion.

BackgroundPrognostic models developed in general cohorts with a mixture of heart failure (HF) phenotypes, though more widely applicable, are also likely to yield larger prediction errors in settings where the HF phenotypes have substantially different baseline mortality rates or different predictor-outcome associations. This study sought to use individual participant data meta-analysis to develop an HF phenotype stratified model for predicting 1-year mortality in patients admitted with acute HF.MethodsFour prospective European cohorts were used to develop an HF phenotype stratified model. Cox model with two rounds of backward elimination was used to derive the prognostic index. Weibull model was used to obtain the baseline hazard functions. The internal-external cross-validation (IECV) approach was used to evaluate the generalizability of the developed model in terms of discrimination and calibration.Results3577 acute HF patients were included, of which 2368 were classified as having HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF; EF ConclusionsOur HF phenotype stratified model showed excellent generalizability across four European cohorts and may provide a useful tool in HF phenotype-specific clinical decision-making.

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BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic heart failure may require treatment of depressive symptoms to improve self-care behaviour. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-care behaviour in heart failure patients, and to study the association between changes in depressive symptoms and changes in self-care behaviour. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected in a pilot randomized controlled study. SETTING: 50 heart failure patients with depressive symptoms were recruited from four hospitals in Sweden. METHODS: Patients were randomized to nine weeks of internet-based CBT (n = 25) or to an active control group participating in an online discussion forum (n = 25). In week two and three, those in the internet-based CBT group worked with psychoeducation about heart failure and depression, emphasizing heart failure self-care. During the same weeks those in the on-line discussion forum specifically discussed heart failure self-care. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure depressive symptoms at baseline and at the nine-week follow-up. The European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale-9 was used to measure self-care behaviour (i.e., the summary score and the subscales autonomous based, provider based and consulting behaviour) at baseline, and at the three-week and nine-week follow-ups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in self-care between the patients in the internet-based CBT and the patients in the online discussion group at the three- and nine-week follow-up. Within-group analysis of the changes in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale showed that from baseline to week three, the summary score increased significantly for the online discussion group (p = 0.04), but not for the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.15). At the nine-week follow-up, these scores had decreased. Similarly, consulting behaviour improved at week three for the online discussion group (p = 0.04), but not for the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.22). Provider-based adherence at the nine-week follow-up had increased from baseline in the internet-based CBT group (p = 0.05) whereas it had decreased in the on-line discussion group. Improvement in symptoms of depression was significantly associated with improvement in autonomy-based self-care (r = 0.34, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Improvement in depressive symptoms was associated with improved autonomous-based self-care. ICBT for depression in HF may benefit aspects of self-care that are vital to improve symptoms and prognosis. Funding: Swedish Heart and Lung AssociationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [E08/14]; Medical Research Council of Southeast SwedenUK Research & Innovation (UKRI)Medical Research Council UK (MRC) [FORSS-470121]; Region of ostergotland [LIO-470271]

Background: Self-care is a fundamental element of treatment for patients with a chronic condition and a major focus of many interventions. A large body of research exists describing different types of selfcare interventions, but these studies have never been compared across conditions. Examination of heterogeneous interventions could provide insights into effective approaches that should be used in diverse patient populations. Objectives: To provide a comprehensive and standardized cross-condition overview of interventions to enhance self-care in patients with a chronic condition. Specific aims were to: 1) identify what self-care concepts and behaviors are evaluated in self-care interventions; 2) classify and quantify heterogeneity in mode and type of delivery; 3) quantify the behavior change techniques used to enhance self-care behavior; and 4) assess the dose of self-care interventions delivered. Design: Scoping review Data sources: Four electronic databases & ndash; PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and CINAHL & ndash; were searched from January 2008 through January 2019. Eligibility criteria for study selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with concealed allocation to the intervention were included if they compared a behavioral or educational self- care intervention to usual care or another self-care intervention and were conducted in adults. Nine common chronic conditions were included: hypertension, coronary artery disease, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diagnoses that are psychiatric (e.g. schizophrenia), acute rather than chronic, or benefitting little from self-care (e.g. dementia) were excluded. Studies had to be reported in English with full-text available. Results: 9309 citations were considered and 233 studies were included in the final review. Most studies addressed type 2 diabetes mellitus ( n = 85; 36%), hypertension ( n = 32; 14%) or heart failure ( n = 27; 12%). The majority (97%) focused on healthy behaviors like physical activity (70%), dietary intake (59%), and medication management (52%). Major deficits found in self-care interventions included a lack of at-tention to the psychological consequences of chronic illness, technology and behavior change techniques were rarely used, few studies focused on helping patients manage signs and symptoms, and the inter-ventions were rarely innovative. Research reporting was generally poor. Conclusions: Major gaps in targeted areas of self-care were identified. Opportunities exist to improve the quality and reporting of future self-care intervention research. Registration: The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (#123,719). (c) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) Funding Agencies|Australian Catholic University

Background: Thirst is a troublesome symptom in patients with Heart Failure (HF) and one that might be perceived differently in different countries depending on climate, food and cultural habits. The aims of the study were to describe thirst frequency, duration and intensity and to identify factors associated with frequent thirst in outpatients with HF in a Mediterranean country. Methods: Data was collected in a cross-sectional study involving 302 patients diagnosed with HF (age 67 +/- 12 years, 74% male, LVEF 43%+/- 14) in Spain on thirst frequency and duration, and thirst intensity by patient self-report (VAS, 0-100 mm). Clinical variables were collected from the medical files. Regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with frequent thirst. Results: Of all the patients, 143 (47%) were frequently thirsty, and their median (25th and 75th percentiles) thirst intensity was higher (VAS 50 mm [20-67] vs 7 [0-20], p 40 mg/day (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.02-3.64), depression (OR 2.99; CI 1.17-7.62), male gender (OR 1.98; CI 1.08-3.64) and worse New York Heart Association functional class (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.05-3.52) were independently associated with frequent thirst. Conclusions: About half of patients with HF and fluid restriction experienced frequent thirst in a Mediterranean area of Spain, and their thirst duration and intensity were significantly increased. Frequent thirst was associated with demographic, clinical and therapeutic variables. The results may help to identify patients with a higher risk of frequent thirst and might suggest therapeutic changes in order to diminish this troublesome symptom. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

n/a Funding Agencies|Applied Therapeutics; Innolife; Novartis PharmaceuticalsNovartis; Abbott DiagnosticsAbbott Laboratories; AstraZenecaAstraZeneca; AbbottAbbott Laboratories; Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim; Cardior Pharmaceuticals Gmbh; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk; RocheRoche Holding; Swiss National Science FoundationSwiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)European Commission; Swiss Heart Foundation; KTI; European UnionEuropean Commission; University of Basel; University Hospital Basel; Beckman Coulter; BRAHMS; Idorsia; NovartisNovartis; Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; Quidel; SiemensSiemens AG; Singulex; Sphingotec; CardioRenal

Self-care is essential in the long-term management of chronic heart failure. Heart failure guidelines stress the importance of patient education on treatment adherence, lifestyle changes, symptom monitoring and adequate response to possible deterioration. Self-care is related to medical and person-centred outcomes in patients with heart failure such as better quality of life as well as lower mortality and readmission rates. Although guidelines give general direction for self-care advice, health care professionals working with patients with heart failure need more specific recommendations. The aim of the management recommendations in this paper is to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to patients with heart failure. Recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence, psychological status, sleep, leisure and travel, smoking, immunization and preventing infections, symptom monitoring, and symptom management are consistent with information from guidelines, expert consensus documents, recent evidence and expert opinion. Jaarsma, T (corresponding author), Univ Linkoping, Fac Hlth Sci, Kungsgatan 40, S-60174 Norrkoping, Sweden. tiny.jaarsma@liu.se

[Abstract] The growing population of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-supported patients increases the probability of an LVAD- supported patient hospitalized in the internal or surgical wards with certain expected device related, and patient-device interaction complication as well as with any other comorbidities requiring hospitalization. In this third part of the trilogy on the management of LVAD-supported patients for the non-LVAD specialist healthcare provider, definitions and structured approach to the hospitalized LVAD-supported patient are presented including blood pressure assessment, medical therapy of the LVAD supported patient, and challenges related to anaesthesia and non-cardiac surgical interventions. Finally, important aspects to consider when discharging an LVAD patient home and palliative and end-of-life approaches are described.

Background: The European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS) is used worldwide to measure heart failure (HF) patient self-care, but a caregiver version does not exist. Objective: To develop and test the European HF Self-Care Behaviour Scale for Caregivers (EHFScBS-C) in a population of informal caregivers of HF patients. Methods: The EHFScBS-C was derived from the EHFScBS to measure the extent to which caregivers contribute to HF patient self-care. The EHFScBS-C was developed in English and then translated into Italian, Spanish and Dutch, after which it was back-translated. EHFScBS-C data were collected from 193 HF caregivers enrolled in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors with supportive fit indices (CFI = 0.990; RMSEA = 0.048): caregivers contributions to HF self-care related to medical issues, and caregivers contributions related to lifestyle. Internal consistency reliability was supported as well (Cronbachs alpha 0.90 for the overall scale). Construct validity was demonstrated with significant correlations with the Caregiver Preparedness Scale. Conclusion and Practice Implications: The EHFScBS-C has adequate validity and reliability for its use in clinical practice and research to measure the extent to which caregivers contribute to HF patient selfcare. The EHFScBS-C can be used in combination with the EHFScBS to conduct dyadic studies. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Funding Agencies|Heart Failure Association of European Society of Cardiology ESC within the Heart Failure Nurse Research Training Fellowship; Center of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, Italy

Background and objective: The beneficial effects of self-care include improved well-being and lower morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In this article we address the current state of self-care research and propose an agenda for future research based on the inaugural conference of the International Center for Self-Care Research held in Rome, Italy in June 2019. The vision of this Center is a world where self-care is prioritized by individuals, families, and communities and is the first line of approach in every health care encounter. The mission of the Center is to lead the self-care research endeavor, improving conceptual clarity and promoting interdisciplinary work informed by a shared vision addressing knowledge gaps. A focused research agenda can deepen our theoretical understanding of self-care and the mechanisms underlying self-care, which can contribute to the development of effective interventions that improve outcomes. Methods: During conference discussions, we identified seven major reasons why self-care is challenging, which can be grouped into the general categories of behavior change and illness related factors. We identified six specific knowledge gaps that, if addressed, may help to address these challenges: the influence of habit formation on behavior change, resilience in the face of stressful life events that interfere with self-care, the influence of culture on self-care behavioral choices, the difficulty performing self-care with multiple chronic conditions, self-care in persons with severe mental illness, and the influence of others (care partners, family, peer supporters, and healthcare professionals) on self-care. Plans to achieve results: To achieve the vision and mission of the Center, we will lead a collaborative program of research that addresses self-care knowledge gaps and improves outcomes, create a supportive international network for knowledge transfer and support of innovations in self-care research, and support and train others in self-care research. Beyond these specific short-term goals, important policy implications of this work are discussed. (c) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ) Funding Agencies|Australian Catholic University; National Institutes of Health/National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) [R01NR018196]; Swedish National Science Council/Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (VR-FORTE); Center of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship

Background: Self-care refers to behaviors that individuals adopt to prevent or maintain the stability of an illness (self-care maintenance), to monitor signs and symptoms (self-care monitoring), and to respond to signs and symptoms of an illness exacerbation (self-care management). A generic measure of self-care, the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, based on the Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness, was developed for use in individuals with any number and type of chronic conditions. Objective: The current study investigated the measurement equivalence of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory in individuals from three different cultural groups. We were interested in determining if Italians, Swedes, and Americans interpret the measure in a conceptually similar way. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 1629 patients, 784 recruited in Italy, 438 in Sweden and 407 in the United States. Self-care (self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring and self-care management) was measured with the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory. A multi-group confirmatory factor analytic approach was used to assess the equivalence of the measures across the three countries. Configural, metric, scalar and strict invariance were tested through a series of nested models where increasingly stringent equality constraints were posited. Results: Participants were mostly males (56.3%), older adults (69.8%) and had at least two chronic conditions. Results indicated that three out of four measurement equivalence levels were partially or totally supported in all three of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scales. The partial scalar invariance level was reached for self-care maintenance [chi(2)(50)=63.495, p = 0.095; RMSEA =0.022, p = 0.999, 90% CI= 0.000 0.038; CFI =0.981; TLI =0.977; SRMR =0.036], self-care monitoring [chi(2) (22)=28.770, p = 0.095; RMSEA = 0.024, p = 0.978, 90% CI =0.000 0.046; CFI= 0.996; TLI=0.995; SRMR= 0.054], and self-care management [chi(2) (51)=91.334, p = 0.001; RMSEA =0.048, p = 0.576, 90% CI =0.031 0.063; CFI = 0.949; TLI= 0.937; SRMR = 0.047 ] scales. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients in the three countries used an identical cognitive framework or mental model when responding and used the 1-5 Likert response scale in an almost identical way, almost without bias. In spite of sociocultural differences, patients in these countries seem to share the same fundamental view of self-care. The results of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory will be comparable in these countries. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Funding Agencies|Center of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship (CECRI) , Rome, Italy; National Institute for Nursing ResearchUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USANIH National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) [1R01NR018196]; Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Doctoral Fellow, Research on Vulnerable Women, Children and FamiliesUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [T32NR007100]