Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 15, 2026

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
04:24

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Published on: April 19, 2019

12.3K

Implementing HeartPal: Design and Early Results of a Specialized Care Delivery Model for Advancing Palliative Care in

Nelia Jain1, Eilann C Santo1, Hanna-Riikka Lehto2

  • 1Division of Adult Palliative Care, Department of Supportive Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Palliative Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Journal of Cardiac Failure
|October 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

HeartPal, an integrated palliative care (PC) service for advanced heart disease (AHD), improved goals-of-care discussions and reduced hospital deaths. This model demonstrates the feasibility of embedding PC within AHD programs.

Area of Science:

  • Palliative Care
  • Cardiology
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Patients with advanced heart disease (AHD) experience significant symptom burden and complex care decisions.
  • Access to palliative care (PC) for AHD patients is often inconsistent.
  • There is a need for integrated care models to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the design, implementation, and early outcomes of HeartPal, a specialty-aligned interprofessional PC service.
  • To evaluate the impact of HeartPal on patient care and service utilization.
  • To provide insights for replicating similar PC services in AHD programs.

Main Methods:

  • HeartPal is an interprofessional PC service embedded within an AHD program, including a nurse practitioner, social worker, and PC physician.
  • Longitudinal care is provided across inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Registry data from 505 patients (2019-2021) and FY2024 operational metrics were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Monthly referrals to HeartPal increased by 46.2%.
  • Referrals for goals-of-care discussions significantly increased (50.0% to 83.3%), while advanced therapy evaluations decreased.
  • In-hospital deaths post-admission decreased by 37.5%, and clinic follow-up increased.

Conclusions:

  • HeartPal demonstrates the feasibility of integrating PC into AHD care pathways.
  • The service shows positive impacts on care coordination and patient outcomes.
  • Institutional investment is crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of such programs.
Abstract

Keywords:
Advanced heart diseaseinterprofessional carepalliative care integrationspecialty-aligned palliative care

More Related Videos

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

10.9K

Related Concept Videos

Continuing Care01:25

Continuing Care

Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
1.9K
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
242
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
468
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
215
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
338
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model01:15

Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model

The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic...
857