Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients
Published on: July 12, 2024
Evidence-based cardiovascular care. Family physicians' views of obstacles and opportunities
Wayne Putnam1, Peter L Twohig, Frederick I Burge
1Dalhousie University, Department of Family Medicine, Halifax, NS. Wayne.Putnam@Dal.Ca
Objective:
To explore obstacles to and opportunities for applying specific lifestyle and pharmacologic recommendations on chronic ischemic heart disease.
Design:
Qualitative study.
Setting:
Rural, town, and city settings in Nova Scotia.
Participants:
Fifty family physicians caring for patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease.
Method:
Nine focus groups were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Seven recommendations had been selected for discussion based on their relevance to primary care, strength, and class of supporting evidence. Analysis was guided by grounded-theory methodology.
Main Findings:
"Ischemic events" can be powerful motivators for change, whereas the asymptomatic nature of CV risks and distant outcomes can form obstacles. Trust built through previous experiences and the opportunity to repeat important messages can facilitate application of evidence, but patient-physician relationships can also pose obstacles.
Conclusion:
Physicians can take steps to improve care, but success at reducing CV risks depends upon active involvement of many health professionals and community resources. Future guideline implementation should focus on patient-oriented issues, such as comorbidity and treatment preferences.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures