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Netherlands Heart Journal logoLink to Netherlands Heart Journal
. 2005 Oct;13(10):343–347.

Practical implications of having a dedicated heart failure programme

CMHB Lucas, GVJ Cleuren, T Jaarsma, C van Rees, CJHJ Kirchhof
PMCID: PMC2497399  PMID: 25696417

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is gaining epidemic proportions. Recent data stress the importance of multidisciplinary strategies for the management of HF patients, but the practical consequences of such programmes remain unclear.

Objective

To describe our experience with a dedicated heart failure programme involving two HF nurses and a cardiologist.

Method

All patients admitted to the cardiology department with NYHA class III-IV heart failure were included. After admission, patients received optimal medical therapy according to current guidelines, and extensive instructions from a dedicated HF nurse. On discharge they were given comprehensive lists of medications and symptoms, and a weighing list. They were advised to call a nurse in case of questions or problems.

Results

861 patients were included: 63% >75 years, 47% with LVEF >45%. From 2000 onwards, the number of patients admitted once a year increased but seemed to level off in 2004. Most phone calls involved weight changes as well as general physical complaints. In 1266 (46%) of calls, the medication change was a consequence of a problem raised by the patient. The nurse received and answered almost all phone calls.

Conclusion

The patient group will grow substantially during the first years of the programme, but the number of patients seen in the outpatient clinic appears to stabilise after five years. Many issues regarding the care of these patients can be handled by the HF nurse.

Keywords: congestive heart failure, multidisciplinary heart failure programme, dedicated nurse

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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