A CSM-Based Volume Management Program for Chronic Heart Failure

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial. A total of 88 CHF patients will be enrolled and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group.

-Intervention Group: Participants receive a 5-phase, nurse-led intervention from admission to 3 months post-discharge.

Phase 1 (Health Threat Stimuli, Days 1-2): Bedside interviews to activate patients' illness experiences by recalling prior acute decompensation episodes, combined with structured lectures on volume overload pathophysiology.

Phase 2 (Cognitive Representation, Days 1-2): BIPQ assessment to identify misconceptions, followed by targeted one-on-one cognitive reframing sessions addressing specific cognitive distortions.

Phase 3 (Emotional Representation, Days 1-2): GAD-7/PHQ-9 assessment with one-on-one emotional counseling and brief emotion regulation techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness).

Phase 4 (Coping Strategy Development, Days 3-4 before discharge): Comprehensive skills training covering: (a) recognition of 6 early signs of volume overload; (b) daily weight monitoring using the "four fixed" method (fixed time, clothing, scale, and recording); (c) 24-hour intake/output recording; (d) sodium restriction (<3g/d stable, <2g/d acute) with low-salt cooking skills; (e) fluid management (1500-2000mL/d euvolemic, 1000-1500mL/d overloaded); (f) diuretic self-management with weight-based adjustment guidelines; (g) 4-step problem-solving skills training through scenario simulation. Self-efficacy is enhanced through four pathways: enactive mastery (hands-on practice), vicarious experiences (peer success stories), verbal persuasion (nurse reinforcement), and emotional arousal (stress management). An individualized home volume management plan and structured discharge follow-up schedule are developed collaboratively with each patient.

-Control Group: Participants receive standard in-hospital care including admission guidance, routine medication and dietary education, fluid management, weight monitoring, and psychological support. Before discharge, participants receive enhanced education, a health handbook, and are invited to a heart failure WeChat group for online consultation.

Follow-up Protocol: The intervention group receives telephone follow-ups weekly during month 1, biweekly during month 2, and an outpatient visit at month 3 with systematic review of weight trends, symptom control, and behavioral goal attainment. The control group receives telephone follow-ups at month 1 and month 3 assessing symptoms, medication adherence, and adverse events.

Data Collection Schedule: Assessments are conducted at three time points: baseline (pre-discharge), 1-month post-discharge, and 3-month post-discharge. Clinical indicators (LVEF, BNP, heart rate, NYHA class) are measured at baseline and 3 months only.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of chronic heart failure according to the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Society of Cardiology, with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II-IV.
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Documented diagnosis of heart failure for at least 3 months.
• Experienced documented volume overload symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, lower extremity edema) or related healthcare visits within the past 6 months.
• Adequate communication, reading, and comprehension abilities.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
• Assessed by the investigator as capable of adhering to the study protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Comorbid other severe end-stage diseases (e.g., malignancy, uremia) or recent major cerebrovascular events.
• History of psychiatric illness or confirmed cognitive impairment.
• Comorbid other conditions that may cause fluid retention.
• Lack of independent decision-making capacity.
• Communication difficulties or inability to cooperate with study procedures.
• Inability to use a smartphone or WeChat application.
• Patients or family members with poor compliance, or those who withdraw or are lost to follow-up.