Review article: a model of palliative care for heart failure

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2009 Oct-Nov;26(5):399-404. doi: 10.1177/1049909109333935. Epub 2009 Apr 8.

Abstract

The heart failure illness trajectory is both complex and unpredictable, which makes providing palliative care services to patients with heart failure a challenge. As a result, although services are needed, few tend to be offered beyond basic medical management. The traditional model of palliative care is typically based on palliative care being considered a system of care delivery most appropriate for patients with a predictable illness/death trajectory, such as terminal cancer. This type of model, which is based on the ability to predict the course of a terminal disease, does not fit the heart failure trajectory. In this article, we propose a new model of palliative care that conceptualizes palliative care as a philosophy of care that encompasses the unpredictable nature of heart failure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Palliative Care*
  • Prognosis
  • Terminal Care