Conceptualizing Functional Ability in Heart Failure: A Concept Analysis and Implications for Nursing Practice

Abstract

The review article discussed the concept of functional ability. It is a critical outcome in patients with heart failure that reflects the prognosis of the disease. Therefore, a deeper understanding of this term's meaning, components, and operational definition is required in nursing practice. This paper aims to clarify the concept of functional ability for people with heart failure. This term is used in many ways, but its meaning, components, and assessment may vary. Consequently, the concept analysis was used to develop an operational definition, critical attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Functional ability encompasses physical, social, and psychological components essential for independent living in patients with heart failure. Determining the defining attributes includes physical ability, social ability, and psychological ability. This paper also defines the antecedents of functional ability, consisting of musculoskeletal capacity and muscle strength, the ability to move, good communication skills, and good cognition. Consequences include quality of life and well-being, health status, vital lung capacity, disease prognosis, good relationship, depression, dependence, fall, and hospitalization. In addition, the article provides empirical references for the measurement of functional abilities, such as the assessment of physical activity in daily life, mobility and work, the assessment of behavior in social activities, interaction and communication with others, and the assessment of emotion and feelings. This review provides a clearer understanding of the concept of functional ability and a new emphasis on the importance of targeting interventions to promote functional ability for patients with heart failure.