Optimizing Access to Heart Failure Care in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted traditional multidisciplinary, clinic-based heart failure (HF) care models in Canada.
• Physical distancing and workforce reductions pose challenges to maintaining optimal HF patient health status and guideline-directed care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide perspectives from Canadian Heart Failure Society leadership on optimizing HF care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To address the need for innovative strategies to mitigate risks of decompensation and hospitalization in HF patients.
• To explore how the pandemic necessitates the adoption of novel technologies and revised care models for HF management.

Main Methods:

• This perspective piece synthesizes expert opinions from leadership within the Canadian Heart Failure Society.
• It focuses on identifying challenges and proposing adaptive strategies for HF care delivery.
• The approach involves re-evaluating existing care models, processes, and workflows in light of pandemic-induced constraints.

Main Results:

• The pandemic presents a critical opportunity to innovate HF care delivery in Canada.
• Adoption of novel technologies and revised care models are essential for maintaining patient health.
• New strategies are required to reduce the risk of heart failure decompensation and hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 crisis serves as a catalyst for transforming heart failure care in Canada.
• Innovative approaches, including technology integration, are crucial for supporting vulnerable HF populations.
• The insights gained can inform the future of heart failure management and delivery models.