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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Published on: June 10, 2025
Advanced heart failure: prognosis, uncertainty, and decision making
Jane G Zapka1, William P Moran, Sarah J Goodlin
1Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. zapka@musc.edu
Congestive Heart Failure (Greenwich, Conn.)
|October 6, 2007
Summary
Internal medicine physicians have good clinical knowledge for heart failure (HF) management but need improved skills in palliative care and patient counseling. Patient noncompliance and motivation are perceived barriers to effective HF care.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) presents significant clinical management challenges.
- Effective HF care requires addressing physician perceptions and practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess internal medicine residents' and faculty's perceptions and practices regarding heart failure care.
- To identify strategies for improving heart failure management in an academic medical center.
Main Methods:
- A self-administered survey was distributed to internal medicine residents and faculty.
- Eighty-nine physicians participated, yielding a 74% response rate.
- Survey items covered perceived skills, barriers, guideline adherence, and prognostic understanding.
Main Results:
- Physicians demonstrated generally good clinical knowledge for heart failure care.
- Significant variance was observed in self-rated palliative care and prognostic skills.
- Major perceived barriers included patient noncompliance and low motivation for lifestyle changes.
Conclusions:
- Opportunities exist to enhance physician skills in decision-making, patient-centered counseling, and palliative care for heart failure patients.
- Addressing perceived barriers like patient noncompliance is crucial for improving heart failure management.
- Special attention is needed for elderly patients with comorbid conditions.
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