Heart failure in 2015: let’s get organised

• Published in: Netherlands heart journal Vol. 23; no. 9; pp. 447 - 449
• Main Authors: Lucas, C.M.H.B., van Pol, P.E.J., Eysink Smeets, J.B.E., Niesing, M., Verwey, H.F., Beeres, S.L.M.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Houten Bohn Stafleu van Loghum 01.08.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cardiology; Collaboration; Decision making; Heart failure; Hospitals; Letter to the Editor; Medical Education; Medical personnel; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Heart Failure; General Practitioner; Heart Failure Patient; Seamless Transition; Heart Failure Care
• ISSN: 1568-5888; 1876-6250
• DOI: 10.1007/s12471-015-0722-5

Subsequently, a working group was created consisting of cardiologists, heart failure nurses and primary healthcare workers that developed four protocols aiming to streamline patient flow from primary to speciality care and vice-versa. ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme, (NT-pro) BNP (N-terminal pro) brain natriuretic peptide, BP blood pressure, CMR cardiac magnetic resonance, CRT cardiac resynchronisation therapy, ECG electrocardiography, HF heart failure, GP general practitioner, ICD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, LV left ventricular, LVAD left ventricular assist device, LVF left ventricular function, MRA mineral receptor antagonist, TOE transoesophageal echocardiogram, 6MWT 6-min walk test Co-operation between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare providers may optimise heart failure care. The current framework complies with the recent recommendations of the World Heart Failure Alliance since it provides a system that delivers timely access to diagnostic services and treatment of heart failure, as well as a seamless transition to long-term care [2].