Emergency department observation unit management of heart failure.
The United States is currently in the midst of a heart failure (HF) epidemic. All predictions suggest that this will increase in both scope and impact. Consequently new methods to improve the clinical outcomes and financial consequences for HF treatment are needed. This manuscript reviews the potential of Emergency Department Observation to improve care for the decompensated HF patient. Suggested clinical pathways, order sheets, and the potential for improved outcomes are presented.
Peacock
W Frank
WF
Cleveland Clinic Emergency Department, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Peacocw@ccf.org