What is a heart failure disease management program?
Even when you are not having symptoms, periodic
follow-ups with your health care providers are very important to
evaluate your condition and your response to your medications. A
heart failure disease management program is an outpatient program
that can help you manage your heart failure condition and
symptoms.
Often, heart failure disease management programs are run by
certified advance practice nurses who provide direct care and
coordinate treatment with your doctor.
Why should I participate in a disease management program?
A disease management program can provide you with the following benefits:
- An opportunity to optimize medications recommended for the
heart failure patient
- Frequent assessment of your current condition, even when you
feel fine, to make sure your treatment and medication plan are
right for you, according to national treatment guidelines
- A chance to improve and maintain your optimum quality of
life
- A decrease in the need for hospitalization and emergency
department care
- Help in making and following lifestyle changes to manage your
condition
- Answers to your questions
- Heart failure management advice
- Help in arranging palliative nursing care and home care as well
as nutrition, pharmacy or social worker support when needed
How can I participate in a heart failure disease management program?
Ask your doctor what programs are offered in your health care system.
Sources
www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/5360_HFGuidelineFinal.pdf
www.hfsa.org/hf_guidelines.asp