Facts about heart failure.
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Roughly 25% of heart failure patients require hospital readmission within 30 days. This is due to worsening symptoms secondary to either a decrease in cardiac output and/or fluid retention, both of which are associated with a high symptom burden and a progressively decreasing quality of life.
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The course of heart disease is often unpredictable and managing symptoms can be difficult.
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There is a high prevalence of HF and substantial morbidity and mortality associated with it in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Palliative Medicine alleviates symptom burden, including pain, improves quality-of-life and ensures treatment goals are aligned with the patients’ values.
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Palliative Medicine has also been shown to decrease the cost of care and hospitalizations.
Heart-String is a treatment program designed to meet the unique needs of patients with advanced cardiac disease. A wide range of symptoms can present themselves with heart disease, often unpredictably. Using the collaboration of three medical specialties: Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine and Cardiology, Heart String offers continuity of care amongst all providers and shared decision-making. It allows patients to be treated in the comfort of their home and offers 24/7 tele-health availability to truly create a healing environment.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions Heart-String might be right for you.
Is Heart-String appropriate for you or your loved one?
Have you been diagnosed with Advanced Heart Failure?
Do you have symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, constipation, nausea/vomiting, increased swelling, difficulty ambulating and deteriorating health?
Do you have high health care use, emergency department visits or hospitalization?
Do you live within the North/West/Eastern corridor of Trinidad?
Heart-String Goals
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Reduced emergency department visits and hospital readmissions
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Comprehensive management of Congestive Heart Failure symptoms at home rather than an emergency room
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Increased patient and family understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
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Improved quality of life
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Cardiac medications, including IV diuretics delivered at home.
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Physician and medical staff available around the clock
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Continuous care for crisis management
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Trained staff specializing in cardiac disease care
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Interdisciplinary team to support physical, emotional and spiritual needs
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Improved collaboration amongst patient’s physicians
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Reduced cost of care.