Heart Failure Virtual Ward Research Study

Summary

The main aim will be to evaluate whether a follow-up with virtual wards reduces HF hospitalisation at three months follow-up. Hospital admission will be defined as any hospital admission, or an emergency room stay of more than 24 h requiring IV diuretics. The secondary objectives will be to evaluate whether this intervention reduces all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalisation at three months, is cost-effectiveness, is associated with a higher percentage of prescription and dose of prognostic medication and improves the quality of life. To assess the potential long-term effects of the virtual wards follow-up, we will evaluate whether this intervention reduces all-cause mortality and HF hospitalisation at 6- and 12-months by a telephone call/virtual outpatients' appointment. The study outcomes will be ascertained at each visit. Given the study design, it is impossible to assess the endpoints in a blinded manner. Clinical events during the study will be adjudicated by an operational committee whose members will be unaware of the group assignment.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥ 18 years) with a recent hospitalisation.
* Known ejection fraction and NYHA Class
* Known or de novo Heart Failure
* Patient or carer able to speak and understand English/Irish
* Willing to participate in the study.
* Within catchment area of the Saolta group.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who decline to participate in the study.
* Patient in palliative care or with a life expectancy of less than one year.
* Patients referred to skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes at hospital discharge.
* Patients with planned intervention on the mitral or aortic valve during admission or scheduled early after discharge.
* Planned haemodialysis.
* Patients included in other randomized controlled trials.
* Patients who, at the investigator's discretion, are considered unable to participate in the study, mainly due to a previous history of non- compliance with medication and follow-up appointments, language barrier, or moderate or severe cognitive impairment without the support of a family member/caregiver.
* Patients with asymptomatic (NYHA class I) left ventricular dysfunction, usually in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction.
* The lack of information technology (IT) literacy will not be an exclusion criterion.

Conditions2

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