Precision Nursing Guided by IKAP Theory for Volume Management in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the efficacy of precision nursing based on the Information-Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (IKAP) theory in volume management of elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methodology: This single-center retrospective study included 115 elderly patients with CHF admitted between May 2022 and March 2025. Patients received either routine nursing (control group, n=56) or IKAP-guided precision nursing for volume management (study group, n=59). Key outcomes included self-care/volume-management ability, cardiac function, volume management related indicators, and complications.

Results: After intervention, self-care/volume-management scores improved in both groups and were higher in the study group (all P<0.05). The study group showed better echocardiographic parameters (higher LVEF and lower LVEDD/LVESD) and more favorable volume-management–related indicators than the control group (all P<0.05), with fewer complications (3.38% vs 14.29%, P<0.05).

Conclusion: IKAP-guided precision nursing may improve self-care for volume management and cardiac function and reduce complications in elderly patients with CHF, supporting a structured, theory-driven nursing approach in routine practice.