Date of Conferral

10-23-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mary Martin

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the utilization of telehealth in managing chronic conditions such as heart failure. Existing research has primarily focused on patient experiences with specific telehealth platforms or settings, limiting generalizability within the diverse United States healthcare system. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by the health promotion model, was to describe patient experiences with self-management of heart failure while receiving medical care through any type of telehealth service (e.g., telephone, video calls, remote monitoring) in the United States. Twenty-two participants were interviewed who met the criteria of having a diagnosis of heart failure and using telehealth since the onset of the pandemic. Analysis revealed four primary themes: (a) getting a heart failure diagnosis, (b) managing newly diagnosed heart failure during the pandemic, (c) experiences with telehealth, and (d) access issues. Participants reported difficulties in accessing in-person care and variability in symptom management, yet generally viewed telehealth as convenient, cost-effective, and accessible, with some technology-related barriers noted. Recommendations for future research should include recruiting participants of both genders and those who are not newly diagnosed with heart failure. The results of this study highlight the need for inclusive and adaptable telehealth strategies. Its findings have significant implications for health policy, can help shape more responsive telehealth interventions, influence health policy decisions, and support future longitudinal research on post-pandemic healthcare delivery models which affect positive social change.

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