Table 2.

A Guide to Building Bridges with Heart Failure Colleagues

Develop a better understanding of the pathophysiology of HF, the underlying etiologies of HF, as well as the clinical management including evaluation and treatment options.

Establish a palliative care champion within the cardiology department who can spearhead collaboration.

Carefully consider specific, measurable goals or benchmarks when establishing a collaboration between palliative care and HF teams

Ensure that the palliative care team has the resources (staffing and financial support) to meet the established goals or benchmarks

When working with HF clinicians as well as patients with HF and their families:

Acknowledge the uncertainty associated with the complex and unpredictable trajectory of HF.

Use the “hope for the best, plan for the worst” paradigm to acknowledge the potential life-prolonging treatment options but also the progressive nature of the illness

Work to help clarify and review the goals of the patient and family.

Ensure symptom control at all times

Harness the growing opportunities for quality performance improvement as a way to integrate palliative care into the care of inpatient and ambulatory patients with HF

HF, heart failure.