Every Dose, Every Day, AAHFN Promotes Medicine Adherence
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J (PRWEB) February 11, 2018 -- In honor of Heart Failure Awareness Week, February 11-17, 2018, the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is promoting healthier living with heart failure by providing educational materials for nurses, patients and their caregivers. This year’s campaign, Every Dose, Every Day, How do I Remember to Take my Medications and Why, focuses on how taking your medication is part of the daily routine when you have heart failure. Studies have shown that when prescribed medications are taken as directed they can save lives, prolong life and improve the heart's function. It is estimated that 50 - 75% of people do not take their medications as prescribed by their provider, with approximately 60% of heart failure patients readmitted to the hospital because they do not take the medications as prescribed. This campaign will consist of a dedicated HF awareness week website that contains tip sheets along with tools and resources to live a healthier life.
Currently there are 6.5 million adults in the U.S. living with heart failure which affects the ability of the heart to pump blood to the body. Every Dose, Every Day, will give patients and their caregivers the opportunity to learn tips and techniques to know which medications they are taking, remembering to take them, and where to turn for assistance on how to pay for them. The AAHFN patient education website provides information and easy to follow tip sheets to help live a more heart healthy lifestyle.
"As an organization, AAHFN is committed to helping our patients with heart failure live longer, healthier lives,” said AAHFN President, Lisa Rathman, MSN, CRNP, CHFN. “This year we are focusing on the importance of medications to treat heart failure. Research has shown that certain medications, often in combination, prolong life, lessen symptoms and improve quality of life. It is critically important that patients with heart failure take their medications as directed by their healthcare provider. As nurses, we play an integral role in ensuring our patients are on optimally tolerated guideline directed heart failure medications and that they are able to adhere to their medication regimen.
In an effort to help patients remember to take their medication, AAHFN has these and other resources available.
Information Sheets for Patients and Nurses:
• Medication Tracker
• Assistance for getting Medication
• Using Technology to Manage Medication
• Tips on Remembering to take your Medication
• Device Care
For additional patient education resources visit: aahfnpatienteducation.com
Go to aahfn.org for detailed information about AAHFN’s initiative Every Dose, Every Day, How do I Remember to Take my Medications and Why and additional downloads on this program.
Sponsors of AAHFN’s Heart Failure Awareness Week include:
• Medtronic
• Novartis
About AAHFN
The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) unites professionals in the support and advancement of heart failure practice, education and research to promote optimal patient outcomes. AAHFN is dedicated to advancing nursing education, clinical practice and research with the goal of setting the standards for heart failure nursing care. Find more information about AAHFN and Heart Failure Awareness Week by visiting http://www.aahfn.org and following the association on Twitter at @AAHFN.
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Media Contact:
Karyn Lockshine, CAE
Executive Director
856-793-0806
klockshine(at)aahfn(dot)org
Karyn Lockshine, AAHFN, http://www.aahfn.org/, +1 (856) 793-0806, [email protected]
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