Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Availability of Heart Failure Medications in Hospice Care
Hillary D Lum1,2, Carolyn Horney3, David Koets4
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA hillary.lum@ucdenver.edu.
Background:
Availability of cardiac medications in hospice for acute symptom management of heart failure is unknown. This study explored hospice approaches to cardiac medications for patients with heart failure.
Methods:
Descriptive study using a quantitative survey of 46 US hospice agencies and clinician interviews.
Results:
Of 31 hospices that provided standard home medication kits for acute symptom management, only 1 provided medication with cardiac indications (oral furosemide). Only 22% of the hospice agencies had a specific cardiac medication kit. Just over half (57%) of the agencies could provide intravenous inotropic therapy, often in multiple hospice settings. Clinicians described an individualized approach to cardiac medications for patients with heart failure.
Conclusion:
This study highlights opportunities for practice guidelines that inform medical therapy for hospice patients with heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

