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Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

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Patients with Congestive Cardiac Failure Referred to Specialist Palliative Care

Maria Walsh1, Fiona Kiely2

  • 1421962Marymount University Hospital & Hospice, Cork, Ireland.

The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|May 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Patients with congestive cardiac failure (CCF) have significant symptom burdens. Early referral to specialist palliative care (SPC) is crucial, as many patients are referred late or do not require SPC services.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Palliative Medicine
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Congestive cardiac failure (CCF) is a chronic condition with a high symptom burden.
  • Limited data exists on the palliative care needs of CCF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize patients with congestive cardiac failure referred to specialist palliative care (SPC) in Ireland.
  • To understand referral patterns and needs within this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 57 CCF patients over two years.
  • Data collected on demographics, referral sources, symptoms, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The commonest symptom was dyspnoea; mean age was 81.
  • Referrals came from GPs (42%), Cardiologists (39%), and others.
  • Over 50% of deceased patients were referred within one month of death; 25% were discharged.

Conclusions:

  • CCF patients experience significant symptom burden requiring palliative care.
  • Late referrals and inappropriate referrals were common, indicating a need for better education on SPC indications.
  • Early and appropriate referral to SPC can optimize care for CCF patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
CCFcongestive cardiac failureheart failurehospicepalliative care

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