Heart failure: living with uncertainty.

Uncertainty has been identified as a significant part of the experience of heart disease and yet no studies have fully explored the experience of uncertainty in persons living with chronic heart failure. The purpose of this study was to describe the uncertainty experienced by men and women with heart failure and to extend the theoretical understanding of uncertainty in chronic illness. Qualitative inquiry was the interpretive approach guiding this study. Data were collected from 22 adults living in urban and rural areas of a rural western state and included audio taped interviews, clinical and demographic information, and scores from the community form of the Mishel Uncertainty in illness Scale (MUIS-C). Three major themes of uncertainty were identified related to symptoms and treatment, attempts to stay well, and quality of life and death. Unique contributions to the uncertainty in illness theory provided by this study include the influence of age related changes on the ability to recognize and respond to symptoms and the presence of cautious trust of health care providers. Nursing implications and recommendations for further study are discussed.