| Popis: |
The landscape of heart failure has changed dramatically over the course of the last several decades, with patients now having access to medical and device treatment options not available in the past. As a result of these advances, heart failure patients are living longer. However, many patients will still face clinical decline. When this occurs, these patients generally do not have insight with respect to their overall poor prognosis. Importantly, patients with advanced heart failure are more likely to die in hospital than other groups such as cancer patients. Palliative care is infrequently involved in the care of heart failure patients. There are several contributing factors for this, including prognostication challenges. There is an opportunity for all physicians to embrace palliative care principles and to reach out for specialized palliative care services when needed. |
