What's up in heart failure care in the Netherlands?

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of heart failure management programmes in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A descriptive study was performed consisting of two phases, a screening phase in which all hospitals (n=109) and 105 home care organisations were approached by telephone to assess availability of heart failure management programmes. In phase 2, content and organisation of the programmes were described by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

At the moment, the majority of hospitals (75%) have a heart failure management programme or are developing such a programme. In 19 home care organisations (18%) a programme was available and three organisations had concrete plans to start one in the short term. Components of heart failure programmes differ considerably, with a follow-up after discharge from hospital as the most often reported component. Other components of programmes include patient education, increased access to healthcare professionals and adjusting medication. Exercise programmes are not often available. Organisational aspects with regard to setting, financing and staffing also differ between various programmes.

CONCLUSION

There is a considerable increase in the number of heart failure management programmes in the Netherlands, both hospital based and home based. Many questions regarding the most optimal content and organisation of heart failure management programmes remain unanswered.