Optimal Timing of Referral to an Advanced Heart Failure Program
Overview
In 2018, the Heart Failure Association updated its definition of advanced heart failure and practicing clinicians may not be aware of the current criteria regarding whom to refer or when to refer for advanced therapies in heart failure. As of March 2020, it is estimated that there are 3.1 million adults in the United States living with some form of heart failure. With advances in new pharmacological agents, improved surgical techniques, and device-based interventions, the number of patients living with some degree of heart failure continues to climb. It is important for practicing clinicians to recognize which patients are not responding to guideline directed medical therapy and would benefit from referral to an advanced heart failure and transplant center.
Referral to an advanced heart failure and transplant center ensures ongoing risk assessment, patient education, an opportunity to participate in investigational trials, and an open discussion about prognosis. Treatment options and long-term survival are best if the patient is referred prior to the onset of end-organ disease. This activity aims to address how timely referrals of heart failure patients for evaluation for transplantation or LVAD placement will result in successful patient management and outcomes.
Target Audience
Cardiologists, Internists, Family Medicine, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurses
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:
- Define heart failure per the Heart Failure Association’s most recent guidelines
- Describe the impact of comprehensive heart failure management program on heart failure outcomes
- Outline when to refer a patient for consideration of advanced heart failure therapies
Andrew Civitello, MD, FACC - Presenter & Activity Director
Medical Director
Heart Transplantation
Baylor College of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose
Kenneth Liao, MD - Presenter
Chief, Section of Cardiothoracic
Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory
Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose
Alexis Shafii, MD - Presenter
Surgical Director
Heart Transplantation
Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Disclosure:
Research support: Evaheart
Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 1.00 Attendance