Overcoming Financial Barriers to Optimal Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy for Patients With Heart Failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Patient Care

Background:

• Optimizing guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is crucial for managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
• The high cost of novel HFrEF medications presents a significant financial challenge for many patients.
• Team-based care models can identify and leverage resources to mitigate these financial barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate how patient assistance resources can facilitate access to GDMT for HFrEF.
• To highlight the role of medication optimization clinics in overcoming cost-related treatment gaps.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used, focusing on a 79-year-old female patient with HFrEF.
• The patient's access to all four pillars of GDMT was evaluated.
• Utilization of patient assistance programs through a specialized clinic was central to the intervention.

Main Results:

• The patient successfully gained access to all four pillars of guideline-directed medical therapy.
• Patient assistance resources effectively addressed the financial barriers associated with prescribed medications.
• The medication optimization clinic played a key role in navigating and securing these resources.

Conclusions:

• Patient assistance resources are vital for ensuring equitable access to optimal HFrEF treatment.
• Medication optimization clinics are effective in facilitating team-based care to overcome financial obstacles in GDMT.
• This case demonstrates a successful strategy for improving HFrEF management by addressing medication affordability.