Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel intervention termed “illness reflection support” among inpatients with heart failure. A non-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients hospitalized for heart failure was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. The researcher provided “illness reflection support” to the intervention group, and quantitative data obtained from a questionnaire survey were compared between the intervention and control groups. Additionally, narratives obtained from participants in the intervention group during the intervention were qualitatively analyzed. The primary outcome, “motivation to discuss the
future”, was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group（p＜0.0003）. Participant narratives included preparation and discussion regarding the future course of their illness and possible unexpected events. The “illness reflection support” intervention enhanced the willingness of patients with heart failure to engage in discussions about the future and may facilitate more natural conversations about future illness and unexpected events.
