Ongoing specialist support for patient empowerment and self-care for HFpEF

The Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands follows a comprehensive multidisciplinary care approach when managing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Diagnosis and care are typically overseen by cardiologists, who communicate with each person’s GP in writing. A heart failure (HF) nurse is available for two hours every morning to provide ongoing support over the phone and via follow-up consultations. These consultations cover a range of HF topics: basic information about the syndrome and its impact, lifestyle changes, post-operative care, monitoring of signs and symptoms, review of medication plans, and referrals to other specialists as needed. Some people with HFpEF, depending on their needs, are given a ‘Free Call Card’ to be able to reach the outpatient clinic First Heart Help (Eerste Hart Hulp) even without a referral from the GP.

The care model includes a cardiac rehabilitation programme that focuses on lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, and the long-term management of HFpEF in everyday life.

References

Radboud UMC. Polikliniek hartfalen. Available from: https://www.radboudumc.nl/patientenzorg/poliklinieken/hartfalen [Accessed 27/10/19]

Máxima MC. Eerste Hart Hulp / Hartbewaking [First Heart Help/Heart Monitoring]. Available from: https://www.mmc.nl/spoed/eerste-hart-hulp-hartbewaking/ [Accessed 05/12/19]