Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026

07:09
A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs
Published on: February 18, 2022
2.5K
Specialist heart failure nurses needed to redress poor GP performance.
Nursing Older People
|October 12, 2016
Summary
Older adults with heart failure (HF) are underserved by general practitioners (GPs). Many patients miss specialist referrals and receive suboptimal medication, impacting their care quality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- General Practice
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a significant geriatric condition requiring specialized management.
- Current general practice management of HF in older adults may be suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of care provided by general practitioners (GPs) to older patients with heart failure (HF).
- To identify potential gaps in specialist referral and medication prescription for geriatric HF patients.
Main Methods:
- A European survey was conducted among general practitioners.
- Data on referral patterns and medication choices for older HF patients were collected.
Main Results:
- GPs frequently fail to refer older patients with HF to specialists.
- Suboptimal medication prescribing for this demographic is common.
- This indicates a potential disparity in care for elderly HF patients.
Conclusions:
- Older individuals with HF may not be receiving optimal care from their GPs.
- There is a need for improved adherence to specialist referral guidelines and evidence-based medication practices in geriatric HF management.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
639
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
639
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
459
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
459
Angina V: Nursing Management
471
Angina, a symptom of myocardial ischemia, requires a structured nursing management approach to ensure effective care and prevent complications like myocardial infarction. Comprehensive nursing care involves assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes, all tailored to the individual patient's needs.Patient AssessmentNursing assessment begins with a detailed subjective evaluation of symptoms, which typically include chest pain or pressure radiating to the...
471
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
497
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
497
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
434
Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
434
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
339
A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
339
