[The homecare management of chronic heart failure followed up by hospital cardiologists: a pilot study].
BACKGROUND
The management of patients with chronic heart failure turns to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, focusing on an integrated network among general practitioners and cardiologists.


METHODS
In order to improve heart failure patient care, we developed a pilot study to assess the feasibility of a homecare program including visits performed by hospital cardiologists on request of general practitioners.


RESULTS
This pilot study confirmed the feasibility of the collaborative project among general practitioners and cardiologists and the suitability of home visits performed on request. In 80/96 visits (85%) the cardiologist confirmed that home visit could be shared. Preliminary epidemiological data showed an elderly population (mean age 82 years) with prevalence of females (60%); hypertension in 46%, diabetes in 27%, and infrequent access to outpatient visits.


CONCLUSIONS
This integrated management showed good results in terms of an improvement of cooperation among general practitioners and cardiologists, and allowed to verify a very high level of diagnostic accuracy of general practitioners.
Campana
Carlo
C
Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia. c.campana@smatteo.pv.it
Monti
Lorenzo
L
Pirini
Silvia
S
Borghi
Gabriella
G
Colombo
Cesare
C
Tavazzi
Luigi
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002309:Cardiology; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005194:Family Practice; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects