title: [Healthcare networks for chronic heart failure management].
abstract: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the leading causes of disability in the older population. In addition, the management of older CHF patients is particularly complex not only in cases of exacerbations, usually treated in the emergency department, but also in daily clinical practice, where a large commitment from the family and the presence of an accessible competent healthcare district are required. The management of CHF should include a network providing adequate follow-up of older patients and implement the continuity of care from hospital to territory. An adequate integration between hospital and territory can be obtained with a multilevel system made by a first territorial level (outpatient cardiologists and general practitioners), a second level for the treatment of exacerbations (day-hospital or full hospitalization), and a third level, characterized by the availability of comprehensive means for complex examinations and advanced treatments (academic or high-level specialized hospitals). The three levels identified should operate as a single, integrated unit in which all staff members operate synergistically, along common diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, established and shared according to the current guidelines for the treatment of older CHF patients.
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Oliviero
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans