Circulation. Heart failure
-
Pay for performance programs compare metrics that are risk-adjusted, but goals of care are not considered in current models. We conducted this study to explore the associations between do not resuscitate (DNR) designations, quality of care, and outcomes. ⋯ Alternate goals of care are frequent and important confounders in heart failure comparative studies. Philosophy of care discussions should be considered for inclusion as a potential quality of care indicator.
-
Healthcare utilization peaks at the end of life (EOL) in patients with heart failure. However, it is unclear what factors affect end of life utilization in patients with heart failure and if utilization has changed over time. ⋯ Although patient factors remain associated with differential healthcare utilization at the end of life, utilization declined over time and use of palliative care services increased. These results are encouraging given the high resource use in patients with heart failure.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Quality of anticoagulation control in preventing adverse events in patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm: Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction trial substudy.
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between time in the therapeutic range (TTR) and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients in sinus rhythm treated with warfarin. ⋯ URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00041938.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling With Biventricular Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Atrioventricular Block and Heart Failure in the BLOCK HF Trial.
Biventricular pacing in heart failure (HF) improves survival, relieves symptoms, and attenuates left ventricular (LV) remodeling. However, little is known about biventricular pacing in HF patients with atrioventricular block because they are typically excluded from biventricular trials. ⋯ URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00267098.