Aiming to Empower, One Letter at a Time: South Texas VA educates Veterans on how to manage Congestive Heart Failure
In a groundbreaking endeavor to enhance the care and support provided to Veterans, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) has launched its inaugural Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Medications, Activity, Diet, Symptoms (MAWDS) class.
This innovative program, also known as CHF MAWDS, aims to empower Veterans with CHF by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to manage their condition effectively. With a focus on education, self-care techniques, and peer support, this initiative heralds a new era of comprehensive healthcare tailored specifically for the unique needs of Veterans. The CHF MAWDS class empowers Veterans to take charge of their health through proactive self-care practices.
Participants learn practical strategies for managing medications, monitoring symptoms, and adopting heart-healthy lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and stress management. By promoting self-efficacy and personal responsibility, the program enables Veterans to play an active role in their wellness journey and achieve better health outcomes.
STVHCS started this initiative in November 2023 when the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Health Equity (OHE) announced they would be offering grants for QI projects that included interventions to achieve health equity and reduce health disparities. In collaboration with Cardiology, Psychology, Pharmacy, Palliative Care, Health Teaching Kitchen, and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System Simulation Program, an application for the grant was submitted. The grant was awarded and STVHCS quickly began the planning and implementation of an education initiative including a virtual class followed by a hands-on in-person class for our Hispanic Veterans who have heart failure. In January, the first virtual education class was offered and in April, the first in-person class was hosted by the Simulation Center and Healthy Teaching Kitchen at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital.
The launch of the CHF MAWDS class at the South Texas VA highlights the commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care to our nation's Veterans. By addressing the unique healthcare needs of Veterans with CHF and empowering them with the knowledge and resources to manage their condition effectively, the program exemplifies a proactive approach to healthcare delivery. Furthermore, it highlights the VA's dedication to innovation and excellence in serving those who have served our country. For more information on CHF MAWDS and how to sign up for a class, please contact Lisa J. Boden Felchle at lisa.bodenfelchle@va.gov.