Heart failure: an active role for GPs and patients

NT PHN and NPS medicinewise would like to invite GPs and practice nurses to the Heart failure: an active role for GPs and patients webinar.

With some locations within the Northern Territory reporting a rate of hospitalisations 7.0 times higher than areas with the lowest rates in Australia, it is no secret that the NT heavily weighs the burden of disease for heart failure.

Heart failure affects 480,000 Australians and is associated with high rates of hospitalisation and mortality. Only 50% of people with heart failure are alive 5 years after diagnosis.

Early diagnosis of heart failure and effective management in primary care prolongs lives, keeps people out of hospital, and improves quality of life.

Managing heart failure is complex. High rates of mortality and hospital readmission make this a challenging condition for patients and their GPs. But there are clear principles to support effective management in primary care.

Using real-life case studies, we will assess diagnosis confirmation and treatment whilst empowering our patients, providing patient-centred education and practical self-management strategies.

• Use an echocardiogram for people with suspected heart failure to help confirm diagnosis and guide management
• Use guideline recommended medicines titrated to target or maximum tolerated doses where possible for patients with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) to reduce hospitalisation (addresses systems-based patient safety)
• Develop a management plan with patients which includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for heart failure and any comorbidities to improve patient outcomes
• Identify and deprescribe where possible medicines which can worsen heart failure
• Select and refer patients with heart failure who would benefit from referral to support/specialist services

This activity has been approved for 2 points (CPD Activity) under the RACGP CPD Program for the 2020–2022 triennium (activity: 237092). This activity has been accredited for 1 hour under the educational activity category in the ACRRM PD Program for the 2020–2022 triennium (activity: 21984).