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Implementing the Consistently Assess Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure Guide Into Clinical Practice
Marilyn A Prasun1, Kelly D Stamp2, Thomas P McCoy3
1Marilyn A. Prasun, PhD, RN, CCNS, CNL, CHFN, FAHA, FAAHFN, Carle BroMenn Medical Center Endowed Professor, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.
Insights
The Consistently Assess Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure (CLASS-HF) Guide improved the assessment and assignment of New York Heart Association Functional Classification (NYHA-FC) in heart failure patients. This tool enhances clinical documentation and patient management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Accurate New York Heart Association Functional Classification (NYHA-FC) is crucial for effective heart failure (HF) patient management.
- Standardized assessment tools can improve the consistency of NYHA-FC assignment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of the Consistently Assess Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure (CLASS-HF) Guide.
- To determine if the CLASS-HF Guide improves the assignment of NYHA-FC in heart failure patients.
Main Methods:
- A multisite prospective cohort study involving 21 heart failure providers.
- Data collection occurred before and after the implementation of the CLASS-HF Guide over 30 days.
- Provider feedback was gathered via a post-implementation survey.
Main Results:
- Baseline documentation of NYHA-FC was 75.6%.
- After CLASS-HF Guide implementation, documentation increased to 92.1%.
- This represents a statistically significant increase of 16.5% (P = .013).
Conclusions:
- The CLASS-HF Guide effectively enhances the assessment and assignment of NYHA-FC in clinical practice.
- Implementation of the CLASS-HF Guide improves documentation rates for heart failure patients.
- This tool supports better clinical decision-making for heart failure management.
Background:
Appropriate assessment and assignment of New York Heart Association Functional Classification (NYHA-FC) facilitates management of patients with heart failure (HF).
Purpose:
To evaluate the application of the Consistently Assess Signs and Symptoms of HF (CLASS-HF) Guide in the clinical setting to assign NYHA-FC of patients with HF.
Methods:
A multisite prospective cohort study using a convenience sample of HF providers who care for adult patients with HF was performed. Data were collected before the CLASS-HF Guide implementation and then prospectively for 30 days to examine the NYHA-FC of patients with HF. A survey was then provided for feedback regarding the implementation of the CLASS-HF Guide in clinical practice.
Findings:
A total of 21 HF providers participated. Baseline documentation of NYHA-FC was 75.6%, and after implementation of the CLASS-HF Guide, documentation was 92.1% (an increase of 16.5%, P = .013).
Conclusion:
Application of the CLASS-HF Guide in clinical practice increased NYHA-FC assessment and assignment.
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