Advanced heart failure: prognosis, uncertainty, and decision making.

Jane G. Zapka, William P. Moran, Sarah J. Goodlin, Kelly Knott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heart failure is a serious clinical management challenge for both patients and primary care physicians. The authors studied the perceptions and practices of internal medicine residents and faculty at an academic medical center in the Southeast to guide design of strategies to improve heart failure care. Data were collected via a self-administered survey. Eighty-nine faculty and resident physicians in general internal medicine and geriatrics participated (74% response rate). Items measured perceived skills and barriers, adherence to guidelines, and physician understanding of patient prognosis. Case studies explored practice approaches. Clinical knowledge and related scales were generally good and comparable between physician groups. Palliative care and prognostic skills were self-rated with wide variance. Physicians rated patient noncompliance and low lifestyle change motivation as major barriers. Given the complexities of caring for elderly persons with heart failure and comorbid conditions, there are significant opportunities for improving physician skills in decision making, patient-centered counseling, and palliative care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-274
Number of pages7
JournalCongestive heart failure (Greenwich, Conn.)
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Emergency
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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