Supporting data for "A prospective longitudinal study to examine the evolvement, and prognostic impact of symptom clusters in heart failure patients experiencing recent cardiac exacerbation"

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by high level of symptom burden and hospital service use. Symptom cluster has evolved as a concept to provide integrated information about the underlying pathophysiological changes and psychosocial impact of concurrent symptoms. It’s manifestation and prognostic impact in the transitional period after hospitalization is especially important to inform more proactive health monitoring and care support.

This longitudinal study focused on HF patients who had recently experienced cardiac decompensation. The primary aim was to investigate the evolution and prognostic impact of symptom clusters among HF patients hospitalized due to acute disease exacerbation. Patients were recruited at the time of admission and their symptom experiences and health outcomes were tracked for up to six months post-discharge. Interviews were conducted at four key time points: during hospitalization, and at one, three, and six months after discharge. By analyzing the dynamic patterns of symptom clusters throughout this period, the study aimed to inform the design of tailored and sensitive interventions to meet the varied needs of patients. Furthermore, the study involved the development and validation of an integrative model to predict HF prognosis, emphasizing its potential importance in identifying high-risk patients with poor outcomes during the vulnerable phase. Such a model could be instrumental in improving the management and support of HF patients.