Preventing heart failure readmissions utilizing a palliative care program

The purpose of this research project is to develop an evidence-based palliative care program specific to heart failure patients, assisting in the prevention of heart failure readmissions. The guidelines established by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) will be used to structure the program. The population of this study will consist of patients with a documented history of heart failure. A survey of hospitalized patients with heart failure history who were admitted with the diagnosis of heart failure will be conducted using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire® (MLHFQ) to determine the patients’ health-related quality of life. Based on the findings, an evidence-based palliative care program for heart failure patients will be developed focusing on the areas in need of improvement identified in the survey. This heart failure specific program will emphasize the principles of palliative care: to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for the patient and the patient’s family. The outcomes of the heart failure specific palliative care program are expected to relieve symptoms and increase quality of life, therefore reducing hospital readmissions related to heart failure.