Underutilization of evidence-based therapies in heart failure: the pharmacist's role

Utilization of evidence-based therapy in the heart failure population includes implementation of heart failure treatment guidelines, interventions to improve prescribing, and inclusion of pharmacists on the multidisciplinary team. Use of treatment guidelines eases the challenge of selecting the appropriate drug and dosage; quality interventions by pharmacists can ensure optimal prescribing of therapy; and provision of care by a multidisciplinary team can improve outcomes in patients with heart failure. Evidence-based therapy, however, remains underutilized in the heart failure population. Barriers to utilization include misperceptions that various heart failure subpopulations do not need certain medical therapies, a fear of polypharmacy, inappropriate assumptions about adverse effects and contraindications, and cost. In fact, optimal prescribing of evidence-based therapy can actually reduce costs. Clearly documented processes and systems are needed to ensure that evidence-based therapy and education are available to every patient.