Effect of Intensive Nurse-Led Optimization of Heart Failure Medications in Patients With Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing of recommended medications for heart failure (HF) is suboptimal, leaving patients at a high risk of death or rehospitalization post discharge. Nurse-led titration (NLT) clinics are one strategy that could potentially improve the prescription of these medications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to determine the effect of NLT clinics on all-cause mortality, all-cause or HF rehospitalizations, and adverse effects in patients with HF. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials comparing NLT of ß-blocking agents, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and/or angiotensin receptor blockers to optimization by another health professional in patients with HF. We used the fixed-effects Mantel-Haenszel method or meta-analyses. We assessed heterogeneity between studies using χ2 and I2. RESULTS: Eight studies with 2025 participants were included. Participants in the NLT group experienced a lower rate of all-cause rehospitalizations (relative risk, 0.76, 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.85; moderate quality of evidence) and less HF-related rehospitalizations (relative risk, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.66; high quality of evidence) compared with the usual care group. All-cause mortality was lower in the NLT group (relative risk, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.92; moderate quality of evidence) compared with the usual care group. Authors of one study reported no adverse events, and another study found one adverse event. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that NLT clinics may improve optimization of guideline-recommended medications with the potential to reduce rehospitalization and improve survival in a cohort of patients known for their poor outcomes.

Barriers and enablers to screening, management and referral of sleep disorders in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative descriptive study.

AIMS: To examine healthcare professional's knowledge about assessment and management of sleep disorders for cardiac patients and to describe the barriers to screening and management in cardiac rehabilitation settings. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. METHODS: In March 2022, a total of seven focus groups and two interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals who currently work in cardiac rehabilitation settings. Participants included 17 healthcare professionals who had undertaken cardiac rehabilitation training within the past 5 years. The study adheres to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. An inductive thematic analysis approach was utilized. RESULTS: Six themes and 20 sub-themes were identified. Non-validated approaches to identify sleep disorders (such as asking questions) were often used in preference to validated instruments. However, participants reported positive attitudes regarding screening tools provided they did not adversely affect the therapeutic relationship with patients and benefit to patients could be demonstrated. Participants indicated minimal training in sleep issues, and limited knowledge of professional guidelines and recommended that more patient educational materials are needed. CONCLUSION: Introduction of screening for sleep disorders in cardiac rehabilitation settings requires consideration of resources, the therapeutic relationship with patients and the demonstrated clinical benefit of extra screening. Awareness and familiarity of professional guidelines may improve confidence for nurses in the management of sleep disorders for patients with cardiac illness. IMPACTS: The findings from this study address healthcare professionals' concerns regarding introduction of screening for sleep disorders for patients with cardiovascular disease. The results indicate concern for therapeutic relationships and patient management and have implications for nursing in settings such as cardiac rehabilitation and post-cardiac event counselling. REPORTING METHOD: Adherence to COREQ guidelines was maintained. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution as this study explored health professionals' experiences only.

Comparison of Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Admitted Under General Medicine and Cardiology Units.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease hospitalisations associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In hospitals, HF patients are typically managed by cardiology or physician teams, with differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes. This study utilises contemporary HF registry data to compare patient characteristics and outcomes in those with ADHF admitted into General Medicine and Cardiology units. METHODS: The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry was utilised to identify patients hospitalised with ADHF 30-day period in each of four consecutive years. We compared patient characteristics, pharmacological management and outpatient follow-up of patients admitted to General Medicine and Cardiology units. Primary outcome measures included in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1,253 patients with ADHF admissions were registered, with 53% admitted in General Medicine units and 47% in Cardiology units. General Medicine patients were more likely to be older (82 vs 71 years; p<0.001), female (51% vs 34%; p<0.001), and have higher prevalence of comorbidities and preserved left ventricular function (p<0.001). There were no differences in primary outcome measures between General Medicine and Cardiology in terms of: in-hospital mortality (5.0% vs 3.9%; p=0.35), 30-day readmission (23.4% vs 23.6%; p=0.93), and 30-day mortality (10.0% vs 8.0%; p=0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalised patients with HF continue to have high mortality and rehospitalisation rates. The choice of treatment by General Medicine or Cardiology units, based on the particular medical profile and individual needs of the patients, provides equivalent outcomes.

Optimising Transitional Care Following a Heart Failure Hospitalisation in Australia.

Hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are associated with high rates of readmission and death, the most vulnerable period being within the first few weeks post-hospital discharge. Effective transition of care from hospital to community settings for patients with HF can help reduce readmission and mortality over the vulnerable period, and improve long-term outcomes for patients, their family or carers, and the healthcare system. Planning and communication underpin a seamless transition of care, by ensuring that the changes to patients' management initiated in hospital continue to be implemented following discharge and in the long term. This evidence-based guide, developed by a multidisciplinary group of Australian experts in HF, discusses best practice for achieving appropriate and effective transition of patients hospitalised with HF to community care in the Australian setting. It provides guidance on key factors to address before and after hospital discharge, as well as practical tools that can be used to facilitate a smooth transition of care.

Effects of a low carbohydrate diet on heart failure symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy: A randomised controlled trial pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Heart failure, insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus coexist in the syndrome that is diabetic cardiomyopathy. Patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy experience high symptom burden and poor quality of life. We tested the hypothesis that a low carbohydrate diet improves heart failure symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a 16-week randomised controlled pilot trial comparing the effects of a low carbohydrate diet (LC) to usual care (UC) in 17 adult patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. New York Heart Association classification, weight, thirst distress and quality of life scores as well as blood pressure and biochemical data were assessed at baseline and at 16 weeks. Thirteen (n = 8 LC; n = 5 UC) patients completed the trial. The low carbohydrate diet induced significant weight loss in completers (p = 0.004). There was a large between-group difference in systolic blood pressure at the end of the study (Hedges's g 0.99[-014,2.08]). There were no significant differences in thirst or quality of life between groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical trial utilising the low carbohydrate dietary approach in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy in an outpatient setting. A low carbohydrate diet can lead to significant weight loss in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Future clinical trials with larger samples and that focus on fluid and sodium requirements of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy who engage in a low carbohydrate diet are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620001278921. DATE OF REGISTRATION: 26th November 2020.

Exploring the Barriers and Enablers to Implementing a 16-Week Low-Carbohydrate Diet for Patients With Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Cardiac dysfunction in patients with diabetes, referred to as diabetic cardiomyopathy, is primarily precipitated by dysregulations in glucose and lipid metabolism. Diet and lifestyle changes are considered crucial for successful heart failure and diabetes management and are often difficult to achieve. Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have gained popularity for the management of metabolic diseases. Although quantitative research in this field is evolving, little is known about the personal experience of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy on specific diets. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify enablers and barriers of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy who engage in an LCD. It further explored patients' perception of dietary education and dietary support received while in hospital. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants who previously consented to a 16-week LCD trial were invited to share their experiences. Nine patients agreed to be interviewed. Semistructured interviews and a focus group interview were conducted, which were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by using the 6-step approach for thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) nutrition literacy (2) disease-related health benefits, (3) balancing commitments, and (4) availability of resources and support. CONCLUSION: Improvements in disease-related symptoms acted as strong enablers to engage in an LCD. Barriers such as access to resources and time constraints were identified. These challenges may be overcome with efficient communication and ongoing dietary support. More research exploring the experience of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy on an LCD are warranted.

Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Effective in Improving Quality of Life?: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) without surgical intervention is associated with morbidity and mortality and is the most common valvular disease in the western world. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive surgical option that has become a common treatment for people unable to undergo open aortic valve replacement; despite the increase in TAVI offerings in the last decade, patient quality of life (QoL) outcomes postoperatively are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to determine whether TAVI is effective in improving QoL. METHOD: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted, and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019122753). MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published between 2008 and 2021. Search terms included "transcatheter aortic valve replacement" and "quality of life" and their synonyms. Included studies were evaluated, dependent on study design, using either the Risk of Bias-2 or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Seventy studies were included in the review. RESULTS: Authors of the studies used a wide variety of QoL assessment instruments and follow-up durations; authors of most studies identified an improvement in QoL, and a small number identified a decline in QoL or no change from baseline. CONCLUSION: Although authors of the vast majority of studies identified an improvement in QoL, there was very little consistency in instrument choice or follow-up duration; this made analysis and comparison difficult. A consistent approach to measuring QoL for patients who undergo TAVI is needed to enable comparison of outcomes. A richer, more nuanced understanding of QoL outcomes after TAVI could help clinicians support patient decision making and evaluate outcomes.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ambulatory heart failure nurse-led services: an integrated review.

BACKGROUND: Globally the burden of heart failure is rising. Hospitalisation is one of the main contributors to the burden of heart failure and unfortunately, the majority of heart failure patients will experience multiple hospitalisations over their lifetime. Considering the high health care cost associated with heart failure, a review of economic evaluations of post-discharge heart failure services is warranted. AIM: An integrated review of the economic evaluations of post-discharge nurse-led heart failure services for patients hospitalised with acute heart failure. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched using EBSCOHost: CINAHL complete, Medline complete, Embase, Scopus, EconLit, Global Health, and Health source (Consumer and Nursing/Academic) for published articles until 22nd June 2021. The searches focussed on papers that examined the cost-effectiveness of nurse-led clinics or telemonitoring involving nurses to follow-up patients after hospitalisation for acute heart failure. GRADE criteria and CHEERS checklist were used to determine the quality of the evidence and the quality of reporting of the economic evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 453 studies identified, eight studies were included: four in heart failure clinics and four in telemonitoring programs. Five of the articles were cost-effectiveness analyses, one a cost comparison and two studies involved economic modelling The GRADE criteria were rated as high in five studies. In which, four studies examined the cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring programs. Based on the CHEERS checklist for reporting quality of economic evaluations, the majority of economic evaluations were rated between 86 and 96%. All the studies found the intervention to be cost-effective compared to usual care with Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratios ranging from $18 259 (Canadian dollars)/life year gained to €40,321 per Quality Adjusted Life Years gained. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led heart failure clinics and telemonitoring programs were found to be cost-effective. Certainly, this review has shown that heart failure clinics and telemonitoring programs do represent value for money with their greatest impact and cost savings through reducing rehospitalisations.

Urinary sodium concentration predicts time to major adverse coronary events and all-cause mortality in men with heart failure over a 28-33-year period: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary sodium concentrations (UNa) may be a biomarker for poor prognosis in chronic heart failure (HF). However, no data exist to determine its prognostic association over the long-term. We investigated whether UNa predicted major adverse coronary events (MACE) and all-cause mortality over 28-33 years. METHODS: One hundred and eighty men with chronic HF from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) were included. Baseline data was collected between 1984 and 1989. MACE and all-cause outcomes were obtained using hospital linkage data (1984-2017) with a follow-up of 28-33 years. Cox proportional hazards models were generated using 24-h UNa tertiles at baseline (1 ≤ 173 mmol/day; 2 = 173-229 mmol/day; 3 = 230-491 mmol/day) as a predictor of time-to-MACE outcomes, adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Overall, 63% and 83% of participants (n = 114 and n = 150) had a MACE event (median 10 years) and all-cause mortality event (median 19 years), respectively. On multivariable Cox Model, relative to the lowest UNa tertile, no significant difference was noted in MACE outcome for individuals in tertiles 2 and 3 with events rates of 28% (HR:0.72; 95% CI: 0.46-1.12) and 21% (HR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.5-1.25) respectively.. Relative to the lowest UNa tertile, those in tertile 2 and 3 were 39% (HR: 0.61; 95% CIs: 0.41, 0.91) and 10% (HR: 0.90; 95% CIs: 0.62, 1.33) less likely to experience to experience all-cause mortality. The multivariable Cox model had acceptable prediction precision (Harrell's C concordance measure 0.72). CONCLUSION: UNa was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality but not MACE outcomes over 28-33 years with 173-229 mmol/day appearing to be the optimal level. UNa may represent an emerging long-term prognostic biomarker that warrants further investigation.

Trends and Predictors of Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prospective, Multi-Site Study of 41,739 Patients From the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (2017-2020).

BACKGROUND: Following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is essential for secondary prevention. However uptake of CR is suboptimal, despite strong evidence demonstrating benefits. The aim of this study was to identify contemporary trends and predictors of CR referral of PCI patients in Victoria. METHODS: A prospective, observational study using data extracted from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry was undertaken. A total of 41,739 patients were discharged following PCI over the study period (2017-2020) and included for analysis. RESULTS: Cardiac rehabilitation referral was 85%, with an increasing trend over time (p<0.001). Multivariable modelling identifying the independent predictors of CR referral included hospitals with high volumes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI) (OR 4.89, 95% CI 4.41-5.20), STEMI diagnosis (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.69-2.14), or treatment in a private hospital (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.33-1.57). Predictors of non-referral included cardiogenic shock (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.71), aged over 75 years (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.57-0.68) and previous PCI (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.62-0.70). Percutaneous coronary intervention patients with an acute coronary syndrome who were referred to CR were also more likely to be prescribed four or more major preventive pharmacotherapies, compared to those who were not referred (90% vs 82.1%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our contemporary multicentre analysis showed generally high CR referral rates which have increased over time. However, more effort is needed to target patients treated in the public sector, low volume STEMI hospitals or with short lengths of stay.

Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in Rural Versus Metropolitan Settings: An Australian Experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the most common cause of hospital admission in patients over 65, with poorer outcomes demonstrated in rural versus metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital and post-discharge management of ADHF patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals in Victoria. METHODS: Data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry, Heart Failure (VCOR-HF) project was used. This was a prospective, observational, non-randomised study of consecutive patients admitted to participating hospitals in Victoria, Australia, with ADHF as their primary diagnosis over four 30-day periods during consecutive years. All patients were followed up for 30 days post discharge. RESULTS: 1,357 patients (1,260 metropolitan, 97 rural) were admitted to study hospitals with ADHF during the study periods. Cohorts were similar in age (average 76.87±13.12 yrs) and percentage of male gender (56.4% overall). Metropolitan patients were more likely to have diabetes (44.4% vs 34.0%, p=0.046), kidney disease (65.8% vs 37.1%, p<0.01) and anaemia (31.9% vs 19.6%, p=0.01). There was no significant difference in length of stay between metropolitan and rural patients (7.49 vs 6.37 days, p=0.12). There was no significant difference between metropolitan and rural patients in 30-day rehospitalisations (19.1% vs 11.6%, p=0.07, respectively) and all-cause 30-day mortality (8.2% vs 4.1%, p=0.15, respectively). Metropolitan patients were significantly more likely to have seen their general practitioner (GP) (68.1% vs 53.2%, p<0.01) or attend an outpatient clinic (35.9% vs 10.6%, p<0.01) by 30 days. There was no significant difference in number of days to follow-up of any kind between groups. Referrals to a heart failure home visiting program remained low overall (19.9%). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in 30-day rehospitalisations or mortality between patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals. Geographical discrepancies were noted in follow-up by 30 days, with significantly more metropolitan patients having seen a doctor by 30 days post-discharge. Overall follow-up rates remain suboptimal.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Compared to Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Insights From the VCOR Heart Failure Snapshot.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is increasing in prevalence, creating a greater public health and economic burden on our health care system. With a rising proportion of hospitalisations for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and lack of proven therapies for HFpEF, patient characterisation and defining clinical outcomes are important in determining optimal management of heart failure patients. There is scarce Australian-specific data with regards to the burden of disease of patients with HFpEF which further limits our ability to appropriately manage this syndrome. AIM: To determine the characteristics, management practices and outcomes of patients with HFpEF compared to patients diagnosed with HFrEF. METHOD: Data was sourced from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry-Heart Failure (VCOR-HF) snapshot of patients admitted with acute heart failure to one of 16 Victorian health services between 2014-2017 over one consecutive month annually. Outcomes measured were in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 1,132 HF patients, 436 patients were diagnosed with HFpEF and were more likely to be female (59%) and older (81.5±9.8 vs 73.2±14.5 years). They were also more likely to have hypertension (80%), atrial fibrillation (59.9%), chronic obstructive airways disease (36.2%) and chronic kidney disease (68.8%). Patients with HFrEF were more likely to have ischaemic heart disease with a history of previous myocardial infarction (36.6%), percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiac bypass surgery (35.2%). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality between HFpEF and HFrEF (10.2% vs 7.8%; p=0.19, respectively) and 30-day readmission rates (22.1% vs 25.9%; p=0.15, respectively). CONCLUSION: VCOR-HF Snapshot data provides important insight into the burden of acute heart failure. Whilst patients with HFpEF and HFrEF have differing clinical profiles, morbidity, mortality and re-admission rates are similar.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health in the Care of Patients With Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that affects >6.5 million Americans, with an estimated 550 000 new cases diagnosed each year. The complexity of heart failure management is compounded by the number of patients who experience adverse downstream effects of the social determinants of health (SDOH). These patients are less able to access care and more likely to experience poor heart failure outcomes over time. Many patients face additional challenges associated with the cost of complex, chronic illness management and must make difficult decisions about their own health, particularly when the costs of medications and healthcare appointments are at odds with basic food and housing needs. This scientific statement summarizes the SDOH and the current state of knowledge important to understanding their impact on patients with heart failure. Specifically, this document includes a definition of SDOH, provider competencies, and SDOH assessment tools and addresses the following questions: (1) What models or frameworks guide healthcare providers to address SDOH? (2) What are the SDOH affecting the delivery of care and the interventions addressing them that affect the care and outcomes of patients with heart failure? (3) What are the opportunities for healthcare providers to address the SDOH affecting the care of patients with heart failure? We also include a case study (Data Supplement) that highlights an interprofessional team effort to address and mitigate the effects of SDOH in an underserved patient with heart failure.

Nutraceuticals in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Nutraceuticals are pharmacologically active substances extracted from vegetable or animal food and administered to produce health benefits. We recently reviewed the current evidence for nutraceuticals in patients diagnosed with heart failure as part of the writing of the Australian Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart failure. METHODS: A systematic search for studies that compared nutraceuticals to standard care in adult patients with heart failure was performed. Studies were included if >50 patients were enrolled, with ≥6 months follow-up. If no studies met criteria then studies <50 patients and <6 months follow-up were included. The primary outcomes included mortality/survival, hospitalization, quality of life, and/or exercise tolerance. Iron was not included in this review as its role in heart failure is already well established. RESULTS: Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. The strongest evidence came from studies of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which modestly decreased mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations in patients with mostly New York Heart Association class II and III heart failure across a range of left ventricular ejection fraction. Coenzyme Q10 may decrease mortality and hospitalization, but definite conclusions cannot be drawn. Studies that examined nitrate-rich beetroot juice, micronutrient supplementation, hawthorn extract, magnesium, thiamine, vitamin E, vitamin D, L-arginine, L-carnosine, and L-carnitine were too small or underpowered to properly appraise clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Only one nutraceutical, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, received a positive recommendation in the Australian heart failure guidelines. Although occasionally showing some promise, all other nutraceuticals are inadequately studied to allow any conclusion on efficacy. Clinicians should favor other treatments that have been clearly shown to decrease mortality.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in acute coronary syndrome patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) has been recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular events such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Since it is also known to reduce exercise tolerance, it is important to establish the prevalence of OSA in ACS patients, particularly in those who are commencing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines a systematic search was conducted in order to identify studies that objectively measured (using polysomnography or portable monitoring) the prevalence of OSA in ACS patients following hospital admission. A data extraction table was used to summarise study characteristics and the quality of studies were independently assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Meta-analysis of the selected studies was conducted in order to estimate OSA prevalence as a function of the two main methods of measurement, the severity of OSA, and timing of the OSA assessment following ACS hospital admission. RESULTS: Pooled prevalence estimates of OSA using the "gold standard" polysomnography ranged from 22% for severe OSA to 70% for mild OSA, at any time after hospital admission. Similar prevalence estimates were obtained using portable monitoring, but interpretation of these results are limited by the significant heterogeneity observed among these studies. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of OSA following ACS is high and likely to be problematic upon patient entry into CR programs. Routine screening for OSA upon program entry may be necessary to optimise effectiveness of CR for these patients.

Prioritisation of diabetes-related footcare amongst primary care healthcare professionals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess primary healthcare professionals' priority for managing diabetic foot disease (DFD) over the progressive course of the condition compared to other aspects of diabetes care. BACKGROUND: DFD affects up to 60 million people globally. Evidence suggests that comprehensive preventative footcare may reduce serious complications of DFD, such as amputation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional quantitative study reported according to STROBE statement. METHODS: General Practitioners (GPs) and Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) working within Australian primary care were invited to complete an online survey, to obtain information about preventative and early intervention footcare priorities and practices. Ten GPs and 84 CDEs completed the survey. RESULTS: On diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) review was identified to be one of the top three priorities of care by 57 (61%) of participants whilst at 20-year history of diabetes 73 (78%) participants indicated its priority. Foot assessments became a priority for 78% (n = 73) of participants and podiatry referrals a priority for 53% (n = 50) of participants only when a "foot concern" was raised. Referrals to specialist high-risk foot podiatrists or services were a first priority for 56% (n = 53), when the person had significant amputation risk factors. CONCLUSION: Diabetes-related preventative footcare assessments and management remain a low priority amongst primary healthcare professionals. Preventative care for asymptomatic complications, such as DFD, may be overlooked in favour of monitoring HbA1c or medication management. Limited prioritisation of footcare in primary care is concerning given the risks for amputation associated with DFD. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study reveals the need for primary healthcare decision makers and clinicians to ensure preventative footcare is a focused priority earlier in the diabetes care continuum. Collaborative and widespread promotion of the importance of proactive rather than reactive footcare practices is required to support prevention of foot ulcers and amputation.

Screening, Referral and Treatment of Depression by Australian Cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical practice guidelines recommend routine depression screening by cardiologists. The aim of the study was to undertake a national survey of Australian cardiologists' clinical practice behaviours in relation to depression screening, referral, and treatment. METHODS: The Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Questionnaire was sent to 827 eligible cardiologist members of Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, of which a total of 524 were returned (63%). RESULTS: Most Australian cardiologists do not routinely ask their patients about depression and only 3% routinely use depression screening instruments. Most cardiologists (>70%) think that General Practitioners (Primary Care Physicians) are primarily responsible for identifying and treating depression in CVD. Cardiologists, who understand the prognostic risks of depression in CVD and feel confident to identify and treat depression, were more likely to screen, refer and/or treat patients for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Australian cardiologists rarely use validated depression screening measures. Several brief instruments are available for use and can be easily integrated into routine patient care without taking additional consultation time.

Impact of Individual Patient Profiles on Adherence to Guideline Directed Medical Therapy in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: VCOR-HF Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple co-morbidities complicate initiation of medical therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Adherence to guidelines based on individual patient profiles is not well described. This paper examines the effect of individual patient profiles on guideline recommended therapies for HFrEF. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, non-randomised study of hospitalised HFrEF patients over 30 days, from 2014 to 2017 in 16 hospitals. A previously developed algorithm-based guideline adherence score was used to determine adherence to key performance indicators: prescribing of beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist (MRAs) for HFrEF patients and early outpatient and heart failure (HF) disease management program review. Patients were classified as low, moderate and excellent adherence to medical therapy. RESULTS: Of the 696 HFrEF patients, 69.1% (n=481) were male with an average age of 73.15 years (SD±14.5 years). At discharge, 64.6% (n=427) were prescribed an ACEI/ARB, 78.7% (n=525) a beta blocker and 45.3% (n=302) prescribed MRA. Based on individual patient profiles, 18.2% (n=107) of eligible patients received an outpatient clinic and HF disease management program review within 30 days and 41.5% (n=71) were prescribed triple therapy. Based on individual profiles, 13% (n=21) of patients received an excellent guideline adherence score. CONCLUSION: Individual patient profiles impact on adherence to guideline recommendations. Review in transitional care and prescribing of triple pharmacotherapy is suboptimal. Translational strategies to facilitate the implementation of guideline recommended therapies is warranted.

The Effect of Transitional Care on 30-Day Outcomes in Patients Hospitalised With Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to hospital with acute heart failure (AHF) are at increased risk of readmission and mortality post-discharge. The aim of the study was to examine health service utilisation within 30 days post-discharge from an AHF hospitalisation. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, non-randomised study of consecutive patients hospitalised with acute HF to one of 16 Victorian hospitals over a 30-day period each year and followed up for 30 days post-discharge. The project was conducted annually over three consecutive years from 2015 to 2017. RESULTS: Of the 1,197 patients, 56.3% were male with an average age of 77±13.23 years. Over half of the patients (711, 62.5%) were referred to an outpatient clinic and a third (391, 34.4%) to a HF disease management program. In-hospital mortality was 5.1% with 30 day-mortality of 9% and readmission rate of 24.4%. Patients who experienced a subsequent readmission less than 10 days post-discharge and between 11 and 20 days post-discharge had a five- to six-fold increase in risk of mortality (adjusted OR 5.02, 95% CI 2.11-11.97; OR 6.45, 95% CI 2.69-15.42; respectively) compared to patients who were not readmitted to hospital. An outpatient appointment within 30 days post-discharge significantly reduced the risk of 30-day mortality by 81% (95% CI 0.09-0.43). CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to hospital with AHF who experience a subsequent readmission within 20 days post-discharge are at increased risk of dying. However, early follow-up post-discharge may reduce this risk. Early post-discharge follow-up is vital to address this vulnerable period after a HF admission.

Specialty cardiac nurses' work satisfaction is influenced by the type of coronary care unit: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Many dedicated Coronary Care Units (CCUs) in Victoria, Australia, have been decommissioned and replaced with larger combined generic medical/cardiac precincts called hybrid units. Hybrid units are staffed with a low proportion of specialist critical care nurses. These changes may pose risks to nurse satisfaction and retention, and quality of patient care. The aims of this study were to explore specialist cardiac nurses' perceived work satisfaction across four CCUs, and differences in satisfaction between dedicated and hybrid CCUs. METHODS: This concurrent mixed methods study comprised two Phases in four Victorian CCUs (2 dedicated, 2 hybrid). In Phase 1, 74 specialist cardiac nurses completed the Professional Practice Environment (PPE) Scale. In Phase 2, 17 specialist cardiac nurses were interviewed to further explore elements of the PPE subscales. Descriptive, inferential (Phase 1), and content analyses (Phase 2) were performed. RESULTS: Survey participants' median age was 38 years (IQR 30, 45). The median PPE Scale score was 3.10 (IQR 2.90, 3.10) indicating high levels of satisfaction with their workplaces. Specialist cardiac nurses in one hybrid unit were significantly less satisfied compared with each of the other three units (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in overall satisfaction or in any subscale of the PPE Scale between dedicated and hybrid units. Qualitative data revealed nurses in hybrid units felt they had less control over practice, lacked autonomy, had poor relationships with physicians, and experienced inadequate nurse leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist cardiac nurses' workplace satisfaction overall is high, with no significant differences between dedicated and hybrid CCUs. However, the structure of specialist cardiac units and NUM leadership skill level can impact nurses' satisfaction with their workplace and collegial relationships. Strong nursing leadership that is respectful of nursing expertise and places patient safety foremost positively impacts nurses' satisfaction. Further studies should assess the impact of the types of CCUs and NUM leadership on workforce factors such as nurse retention rates and patient outcomes such as adverse events.