Supportive cardiology: Bridging the gaps in care for late-stage heart failure patients

Background: Embedding a palliative approach into management of advanced heart failure remains an important yet challenging aspect of the current care model. Methods: Late-stage heart failure patients were interviewed about their health care journey, and themes were extracted by multidisciplinary partners. The project team created two original interactive tools for patient and provider perspectives. Results: The tool for patients and their carers supplements discussions with clinicians regarding prognosis. It focuses on recognizing signs and symptoms of heart failure progression and exacerbation and outlines skills for adapting to this transition. The aim of the clinician tool is to support clinicians' skills in caring for advanced heart failure patients. It includes guidance through the stages of care and interactive links to further information and support. Conclusions: Two novel tools were created to address gaps in existing heart failure guidelines and patient education regarding advanced heart failure trajectory that were identified by patients and their providers.