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Iyngkaran P, Hanna F, Andrew S, Horowitz JD, Battersby M, De Courten MP. Comparison of short and long forms of the Flinders program of chronic disease SELF-management for participants starting SGLT-2 inhibitors for congestive heart failure (SELFMAN-HF): protocol for a prospective, observational study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1059735. [PMID: 37305115 PMCID: PMC10255353 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1059735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Congestive heart failure (CHF) causes significant morbidity and mortality. It is an epidemic, and costs are escalating. CHF is a chronic disease whose trajectory includes stable phases, periods of decompensation, and finally palliation. Health services and medical therapies must match the various patient needs. Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programmes that are patient-focused, identify problems and set actionable goals that appear as a logical, cost-friendly method to navigate patient journeys. There have been challenges in standardising and implementing CHF programmes. Methods and analysis SELFMAN-HF is a prospective, observational study to evaluate the feasibility and validity of the SCRinHF tool, a one-page self-management and readmission risk prediction tool for CHF, with an established, comprehensive CDSM tool. Eligible patients will have CHF with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and commenced sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) within 6 months of recruitment. The primary endpoint is the 80% concordance in readmission risk predicted by the SCRinHF tool. The study will recruit >40 patients and is expected to last 18 months. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the St Vincent's ethics committee (approval no. LRR 177/21). All participants will complete a written informed consent prior to enrolment in the study. The study results will be disseminated widely via local and international health conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Heart Failure & Cardiac Imaging, Torrens University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Werribee Mercy Sub School, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Fahad Hanna
- Public Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sharon Andrew
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John David Horowitz
- Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Malcolm Battersby
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Mental Health Service, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Iyngkaran P, Hespe C, Hanna F, Horowitz JD, Battersby M, Nelson C, Andrew S, de Courten MP. The Wider Considerations in Closing Chronic Disease Gaps - Focus on Heart Failure and Implementation. Curr Cardiol Rev 2023; 19:e120522204690. [PMID: 35549873 PMCID: PMC10201899 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666220512160737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is predominately a chronic disease. There are overlaps in HF and chronic disease research and care. Chronic disease and HF research are conducted with multiple goals. The overarching goal is "optimized patient outcomes at maximum costeffectiveness". However, observations on patients can come with many variables; thus, we see differences in clinical translation. This document discusses an argument for three important gaps common to HF and chronic disease, i.e., screening, self-management, and patient-reported outcomes (PRO), and provides a glance of how it could fit into the evidence tree. Pertinent arguments for a framework for health services and models of care are provided as a prelude to future consensus. METHODOLOGY 1) A preliminary literature review to identify a taxonomy for cardiovascular research, and 2) a review of the published literature describing the translation of research studies into clinical practice for cardiovascular disorders. A spectrum from observational to large randomized controlled trials to post-marketing studies were identified. DISCUSSION A brief discussion on traditional research and differences focusing on screening, mixed methods research concepts, and chronic diseases models of care. Six steps to facilitate this: 1) Research design; 2) Research application (translation) i. routine ii. challenges; 3. Transforming research to translational level; 4. Funding and infrastructure; 5. Clinical Centres of Research Excellence (CCRE) and collaboration; 6. Governance and cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION Implementation research that aims to link research findings to improved patient outcomes in an efficient and effective way is a neglected area. Skills required to perform implementation research are complex. Ways to maximize translational impacts for chronic disease research to clinical practice are described in a HF context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Heart Failure & Cardiac Imaging, University of Notre Dame, Werribee Mercy Sub School, School of Medicine Sydney; Research Fellow Mitchell Institute, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlotte Hespe
- General Practice and Primary Care Research, School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia, 160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, PO Box 944 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Fahad Hanna
- Program of Public Health, Department of Health, Torrens University Australia, Australia
| | | | - Malcolm Battersby
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Mental Health Program Lead, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Mental Health Service, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Craig Nelson
- Division of Chronic and Complex Care and the Director of Nephrology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Andrew
- Adjunct Professor of Nursing, Institute Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428 Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia
| | - Maximilian P. de Courten
- Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy, Victoria University, 300 Queen St, Melbourne 3000, Australia
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The Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Conundrum-Redefining the Problem and Finding Common Ground? Curr Heart Fail Rep 2021; 17:34-42. [PMID: 32112345 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-020-00454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or diastolic heart failure (DHF) makes up more than half of all congestive heart failure presentations (CHF). With an ageing population, the case load and the financial burden is projected to increase, even to epidemic proportions. CHF hospitalizations add too much of the financial and infrastructure strain. Unlike systolic heart failure (SHF), much is still either uncertain or unknown. Specifically, in epidemiology, the disease burden is established; however, risk factors and pathophysiological associations are less clear; diagnostic tools are based on rigid parameters without the ability to accurately monitor treatments effects and disease progression; finally, therapeutics are similar to SHF but without prognostic data for efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS The last several years have seen guidelines changing to account for greater epidemiological observations. Most of these remain general observation of shortness of breath symptom matched to static echocardiographic parameters. The introduction of exercise diastolic stress test has been welcome and warrants greater focus. HFpEF is likely to see new thinking in the coming decades. This review provides some of perspective on this topic.
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Mu M, Majoni SW, Iyngkaran P, Haste M, Kangaharan N. Adherence to Treatment Guidelines in Heart Failure Patients in the Top End Region of Northern Territory. Heart Lung Circ 2019; 28:1042-1049. [PMID: 29980453 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.06.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and recurrent hospitalisations, particularly in the Indigenous Australians of the Northern Territory. In remote Northern Australia, the epidemiology is less clear but anecdotal evidence suggests it may be worse. In addition, some anecdotal evidence suggests that prognostic pharmacological therapy could also be underutilised. Minimal HF data exists in the remote and Indigenous settings, making this study unique. METHODS A retrospective cohort review of pharmacological management of 99 patients from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014 was performed. RESULTS Ninety-nine (99) patients were identified. 59.6% were non-Indigenous vs 40.4% Indigenous. The majority was male (69.7%). Indigenous patients were younger; median age was 51.4 (43.4-60.6) vs 70.5 (62.2-77.0), p<0.001. Major causes of HF were coronary artery disease (61%) and dilated cardiomyopathy (27%). Associated comorbidities included hypertension (52%), dyslipidaemia (38%), diabetes mellitus (40%) and atrial fibrillation (25%). The use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) and β-blocker was 68% and 87%, respectively. Forty-one (41) patients not on an ACEI/ARB and/or β-blocker were identified. Seventeen (17) of those patients (42%) did not receive an ACEI/ARB because of renal failure. Four (4) patients (10%) did not take a β-blocker due to hypotension. Fourteen (14) patients (34%) were not prescribed an ACEI/ARB and/or β-blocker had no identifiable contraindications. CONCLUSIONS Indigenous patients are over-represented at a younger age demonstrating the alarming rate of disease burden in NT's young Indigenous population. Generally, ACEI/ARBs were underutilised compared to β-blockers with renal impairment being the primary contraindication. There is a need to develop processes to further improve the use of heart failure medications and setting up a HF database could be the first step in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mu
- Northern Territory Medical Program, Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia.
| | - Sandawana William Majoni
- Northern Territory Medical Program, Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Pupalan Iyngkaran
- HeartWest, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Northern Territory Medical School, Flinders University, Tiwi, NT, Australia
| | - Mark Haste
- Department of Cardiology, Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia
| | - Nadarajah Kangaharan
- Northern Territory Medical Program, Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT, Australia
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Kabbani S, Al Habeeb W, Liew HB, Mohan JC, Ogola E, Sim D, Tsabedze N. Supporting the Management of Patients with Heart Failure within Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and African Countries: A Toolbox for Healthcare Providers. Cardiology 2019; 142 Suppl 1:1-10. [PMID: 30947179 DOI: 10.1159/000496663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The management of heart failure (HF) is most effective when established treatment guidelines and recommendations are followed. We aimed to develop a "Toolbox" of resources to facilitate the care of patients with acute HF and chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction delivered by healthcare professionals across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (henceforth referred to as the "Region"). METHODS We convened a group of cardiologists from across the Region to develop a set of checklists, algorithms, and other practical resources. These resources are based on our experiences, current evidence, and international guidelines. RESULTS The HF Toolbox comprises three simplified sets of resources for use in the Emergency Room (ER), hospital and outpatient settings. Resources include admission and discharge checklists, treatment algorithms, recommendations for forming a multidisciplinary team, patient education, and self-management materials, and key performance indicators to monitor whether standards of care are met or maintained, or should be improved. CONCLUSIONS The HF Toolbox provides practical resources to simplify the management of patients with HF and to support the formation of HF programs in the Region. The Toolbox is aligned with current guideline recommendations and can support the management of patients from presentation in the ER, through hospital admission to outpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Kabbani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon,
| | - Waleed Al Habeeb
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Houng-Bang Liew
- Sabah Heart Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Jagdish C Mohan
- Institute of Heart and Vascular Disorders, Jaipur Golden Hospital, Rohini, Delhi, India
| | - Elijah Ogola
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Sim
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nqoba Tsabedze
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Gauteng, South Africa
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Iyngkaran P, Chan W, Liew D, Zamani J, Horowitz JD, Jelinek M, Hare DL, Shaw JA. Risk stratification for coronary artery disease in multi-ethnic populations: Are there broader considerations for cost efficiency? World J Methodol 2019; 9:1-19. [PMID: 30705870 PMCID: PMC6354077 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v9.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) screening and diagnosis are core cardiac specialty services. From symptoms, autopsy correlations supported reductions in coronary blood flow and dynamic epicardial and microcirculatory coronaries artery disease as etiologies. While angina remains a clinical diagnosis, most cases require correlation with a diagnostic modality. At the onset of the evidence building process much research, now factored into guidelines were conducted among population and demographics that were homogenous and often prior to newer technologies being available. Today we see a more diverse multi-ethnic population whose characteristics and risks may not consistently match the populations from which guideline evidence is derived. While it would seem very unlikely that for the majority, scientific arguments against guidelines would differ, however from a translational perspective, there will be populations who differ and importantly there are cost-efficacy questions, e.g., the most suitable first-line tests or what parameters equate to an adequate test. This article reviews non-invasive diagnosis of CAD within the context of multi-ethnic patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Department of Cardiology, Flinders University, NT Medical School, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - William Chan
- Department of Cardiology Alfred and Western Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Danny Liew
- Clinical Outcomes Research, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Jalal Zamani
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Feris Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - John D Horowitz
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5011, Australia
| | - Michael Jelinek
- Department of Cardiology, Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia
| | - David L Hare
- Cardiovascular Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - James A Shaw
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic 3004, Australia
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Iyngkaran P, Liew D, Neil C, Driscoll A, Marwick TH, Hare DL. Moving From Heart Failure Guidelines to Clinical Practice: Gaps Contributing to Readmissions in Patients With Multiple Comorbidities and Older Age. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CARDIOLOGY 2018; 12:1179546818809358. [PMID: 30618487 PMCID: PMC6299336 DOI: 10.1177/1179546818809358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This feature article for the thematic series on congestive heart failure (CHF) readmissions aims to outline important gaps in guidelines for patients with multiple comorbidities and the elderly. Congestive heart failure diagnosis manifests as a 3-phase journey between the hospital and community, during acute, chronic stable, and end-of-life (palliative) phases. This journey requires in variable intensities a combination of multidisciplinary care within tertiary hospital or ambulatory care from hospital outpatients or primary health services, within the general community. Management goals are uniform, ie, to achieve the lowest New York Heart Association class possible, with improvement in ejection fraction, by delivering gold standard therapies within a CHF program. Comorbidities are an important common denominator that influences outcomes. Comorbidities include diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive airways disease, chronic renal impairment, hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, and advancing age. Geriatric care includes the latter as well as syndromes such as frailty, falls, incontinence, and confusion. Many systems still fail to comprehensively achieve all aspects of such programs. This review explores these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Northern Territory Medical Program, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Pupalan Iyngkaran, Yellow Building 4 Cnr University Drive North & University Drive West Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT 0815, Australia.
| | - Danny Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Neil
- Department of Medicine—Western Precinct, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea Driscoll
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David L Hare
- Cardiovascular Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Heart Failure Services, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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8
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Iyngkaran P, Kangaharan N, Zimmet H, Arstall M, Minson R, Thomas MC, Bergin P, Atherton J, MacDonald P, Hare DL, Horowitz JD, Ilton M. Heart Failure in Minority Populations - Impediments to Optimal Treatment in Australian Aborigines. Curr Cardiol Rev 2016; 12:166-79. [PMID: 27280307 PMCID: PMC5011191 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x12666160606115034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) among Aboriginal/Indigenous Australians is endemic. There are also grave concerns for outcomes once acquired. This point is compounded by a lack of prospective and objective studies to plan care. To capture the essence of the presented topic it is essential to broadly understand Indigenous health. Key words such as 'worsening', 'gaps', 'need to do more', 'poorly studied', or 'future studies should inform' occur frequently in contrast to CHF research for almost all other groups. This narrative styled opinion piece attempts to discuss future directions for CHF care for Indigenous Australians. We provide a synopsis of the problem, highlight the treatment gaps, and define the impediments that present hurdles in optimising CHF care for Indigenous Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Cardiologist and Senior Lecturer NT Medical School, Flinders University, Tiwi, NT 0811, Australia.
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Iyngkaran P, Beneby GS. Toward phase 4 trials in heart failure: A social and corporate responsibility of the medical profession. World J Methodol 2015; 5:179-184. [PMID: 26713277 PMCID: PMC4686414 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition, requiring polypharmacy, allied health supports and regular monitoring. All these factors are needed to ensure compliance and to deliver the positive outcomes demonstrated from randomized controlled trials. Unfortunately many centers around the world are unable to match trial level support. The outcomes for many communities are thus unclear. Research design factors in post-marketing surveillance to address this issue. Phase 4 studies is the name given to trials designed to obtain such community level data and thus address issues of external validity. CHF phase 4 studies are relatively underutilized. We feel the onus for this research lies with the health profession. In this commentary we provide arguments as to why phase 4 studies should be viewed as a social and corporate responsibility of health professional that care for clients with CHF.
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Iyngkaran P, Thomas M. Bedside-to-Bench Translational Research for Chronic Heart Failure: Creating an Agenda for Clients Who Do Not Meet Trial Enrollment Criteria. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CARDIOLOGY 2015; 9:121-32. [PMID: 26309418 PMCID: PMC4527366 DOI: 10.4137/cmc.s18737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition usually without cure. Significant developments, particularly those addressing pathophysiology, mainly started at the bench. This approach has seen many clinical observations initially explored at the bench, subsequently being trialed at the bedside, and eventually translated into clinical practice. This evidence, however, has several limitations, importantly the generalizability or external validity. We now acknowledge that clinical management of CHF is more complicated than merely translating bench-to-bedside evidence in a linear fashion. This review aims to help explore this evolving area from an Australian perspective. We describe the continuation of research once core evidence is established and describe how clinician-scientist collaboration with a bedside-to-bench view can help enhance evidence translation and generalizability. We describe why an extension of the available evidence or generating new evidence is occasionally needed to address the increasingly diverse cohort of patients. Finally, we explore some of the tools used by basic scientists and clinicians to develop evidence and describe the ones we feel may be most beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Iyngkaran
- Flinders University, NT Medical School, Darwin, Australia
| | - M Thomas
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Iyngkaran P, Biddargardi N, Bastiampillai T, Beneby G. Making sense of health care delivery Where does the close to community health care worker fit in? - The case for congestive heart failure. Indian Heart J 2015; 67:250-8. [PMID: 26138183 PMCID: PMC4495591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Close to community health care workers (CTC-HCW) is an increasingly used term to describe the emergence of a new partner in health services delivery. In strengthening arguments for this part of the health workforce the authorities, health staffers, supporters, sceptics and perhaps clients will look to the academicians and the evidence base to determine the fate of this group. There is no doubt, CTC-HCW are a vital resource, whose importance is tied to socio-demo-geographic variables. Regardless of what the common perceptions of its importance are, the evolving evidence base could suggest either way. In this short commentary we would like to highlight the importance of a balanced and common sense approach in these arguments. An important example is heart failure where the majority have an associated comorbidity and one in four would also suffer with cognitive or mood disturbances. It is unclear how the CTC-HCW would fare for this devastating syndrome. In moving forward it is important we understand there are: strengths and limitations in the evidence gathering processes; indecision as to the questions; uncertainty of the starting points to gather evidence; and sociodemogeographic biases, which have to be factored before determining the fate of this much needed health care resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Iyngkaran
- Consultant Cardiologist, Research Fellow & Senior Lecturer Flinders University, NT Medical School, Darwin, Australia.
| | - N Biddargardi
- A/Prof eHealth Research, Medical School Flinders University, Australia; Manager, Mental Health Observatory Research Unit, Country Health SALHN Margaret Tobin Centre, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - T Bastiampillai
- Clinical Director, Southern Adelaide Mental Health Services, Australia; Associate Professor, Mental Health Flinders University, Australia
| | - G Beneby
- Chief Medical Officer, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Australia
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12
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Iyngkaran P, Majoni W, Cass A, Sanders P, Ronco C, Brady S, Kangaharan N, Ilton M, Hare DL, Thomas MC. Northern Territory perspectives on heart failure with comorbidities – understanding trial validity and exploring collaborative opportunities to broaden the evidence base. Heart Lung Circ 2014; 24:536-43. [PMID: 25637942 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is an ambulatory care sensitive condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, rarely with cure. Outpatient based pharmacological management represents the main and most important aspect of care, and is usually lifelong. This narrative styled opinion review looks at the pharmacological agents recommended in the guidelines in context of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. We explore the concept of validity, a term used to describe the basis of standardising a particular trial or study and the population to which it is applicable. We aim to highlight the problems of the current guidelines based approach. We also present alternatives that could utilise the core principles from major trials, while incorporating regional considerations, which could benefit clients living in the NT and remote Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Iyngkaran
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Flinders University, Darwin Private Hospital, Tiwi, NT 0811.
| | - W Majoni
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Department of Nephrology Division of Medicine.
| | - A Cass
- Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina NT 0811.
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - C Ronco
- Department of Nephrology Dialysis & Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV) San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
| | - S Brady
- Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs NT 0871.
| | - N Kangaharan
- Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT 0810.
| | - M Ilton
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, NT 0810.
| | - D L Hare
- Coordinator, Cardiovascular Research, University of Melbourne; Director of Heart Failure Services, Austin Health, Vic 3084.
| | - M C Thomas
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Central Melbourne Victoria 3004, Australia.
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13
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Iyngkaran P, Harris M, Ilton M, Kangaharan N, Battersby M, Stewart S, Brown A. Implementing guideline based heart failure care in the Northern Territory: challenges and solutions. Heart Lung Circ 2013; 23:391-406. [PMID: 24548637 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Northern Territory of Australia is a vast area serviced by two major tertiary hospitals. It has both a unique demography and geography, which pose challenges for delivering optimal heart failure services. The prevalence of congestive heart failure continues to increase, imposing a significant burden on health infrastructure and health care costs. Specific patient groups suffer disproportionately from increased disease severity or service related issues often represented as a "health care gap". The syndrome itself is characterised by ongoing symptoms interspersed with acute decompensation requiring lifelong therapy and is rarely reversible. For the individual client the overwhelming attention to heart failure care and the impact of health care gaps can be devastating. This gap may also contribute to widening socio-economic differentials for families and communities as they seek to take on some of the care responsibilities. This review explores the challenges of heart failure best practice in the Northern Territory and the opportunities to improve on service delivery. The discussions highlighted could have implications for health service delivery throughout regional centres in Australia and health systems in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupalan Iyngkaran
- Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Lecturer Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, PO Box 41326, Casuarina NT 0811.
| | - Melanie Harris
- Senior Research Fellow, Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001.
| | - Marcus Ilton
- Director of Cardiology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, PO Box 41326, Casuarina NT 0811.
| | - Nadarajan Kangaharan
- Director of Medicine/Consultant Cardiologist, Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, PO Box 41326, Casuarina NT 0811.
| | - Malcolm Battersby
- Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit (FHBHRU), Margaret Tobin Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia 5001.
| | - Simon Stewart
- Director NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence to Reduce Inequality in Heart Disease, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Alex Brown
- Professor of Population Health and Research Chair Aboriginal Health School of Population Health, University of South Australia & South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide.
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