We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Heart failure programmes in countries with a primary care-based health care system. Are additional trials necessary? Design of the DEAL-HF study
- Authors
Bruggink-André de la Porte, Pieta W.F.; Lok, Dirk J.A.; van Wijngaarden, Jan; Cornel, Jan H.; Pruijsers-Lamers, Dian; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Hoes, Arno W.
- Abstract
Abstract: Background: Several randomised studies of heart failure (HF) management programmes in the United States, Australia and Europe have shown a considerable reduction in hospitalisation rates for HF. In this article, a comprehensive review of these studies will be provided and their applicability to countries, with a primary care-based healthcare system, will be discussed. In addition, the design of the Deventer–Alkmaar HF Project (DEAL-HF), a randomised study of the effect of a nurse and physician-directed intervention over 1 year in The Netherlands, will also be presented. Aim: To discuss the applicability of the results of available studies on heart failure management programmes to countries with well-structured primary care facilities and to determine whether additional trials should be conducted in these countries. Methods: We performed a literature search in PubMed. In a review of the available studies, essential methodological aspects, in particular, the population involved, the sample size, follow-up period, setting, type of intervention, and the outcome parameters, are discussed critically. Also, the applicability of these studies to countries with a primary care-based healthcare system and easy access to medical care is evaluated. Conclusion: Applicability of the results of the available studies on the efficacy of heart failure management programmes to countries with a primary care-based health care system is doubtful. An efficacy trial in a country with a well-established primary care-based healthcare system, such as The Netherlands, is due to report soon (DEAL-HF).
- Subjects
HEART failure; HEART diseases; PRIMARY care; CARDIAC arrest; PUBLIC health; MEDICAL care
- Publication
European Journal of Heart Failure, 2005, Vol 7, Issue 5, p910
- ISSN
1388-9842
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1016/j.ejheart.2004.11.004