Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients
03:47

Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients

Published on: July 12, 2024

How to Implement Recommendations on Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Management Program Into Practice? Lithuanian

Jelena Čelutkienė1, Edita Lycholip2, Greta Burneikaitė2

  • 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|June 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Implementing heart failure multidisciplinary programmes (HF-MP) in Lithuania significantly improved patient survival and reduced readmissions. This specialized care enhanced quality of life, self-care, and physical function in heart failure patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) patients are recommended for multidisciplinary programmes (MP), but availability is limited across Europe.
  • Lithuania established a national heart failure multidisciplinary programme (HF-MP) reimbursed since 2016.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the establishment, implementation metrics, and quality indicators of Lithuania's HF-MP.
  • To evaluate the impact of HF-MP on cardiovascular readmissions, survival, and ICD implantations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of HF-MP initiation and development requisites.
  • Utilized National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) administrative data (2018-2022) for outcome analysis.
  • HF-MP involves 4 specialized team encounters within 1 year post-decompensation.

Main Results:

  • HF-MP patients had 2.4-2.9 times higher odds of 1-year survival compared to usual care (UC).
  • Chances of surviving without readmissions were 1.3-1.7 times greater with HF-MP versus UC.
  • Significant improvements observed in quality of life, self-care index, and 6-minute walk test (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Transferring HF-MP models, informed by international experience and guidelines, successfully adapted to Lithuania.
  • The HF-MP intervention effectively reduced morbidity and early mortality in heart failure patients.
  • The program significantly enhanced the quality of life for individuals with heart failure.

Keywords:
heart failureheart failure clinicheart failure managementheart failure nursemulti-disciplinary program

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management01:28

Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. This condition can arise from various causes, including rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, or degenerative valve disease. Effective nursing management is crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and involves comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...