Journal of palliative medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Feasibility and acceptability of a collaborative care intervention to improve symptoms and quality of life in chronic heart failure: mixed methods pilot trial.
People with chronic heart failure (HF) suffer from numerous symptoms that worsen quality of life. The CASA (Collaborative Care to Alleviate Symptoms and Adjust to Illness) intervention was designed to improve symptoms and quality of life by integrating palliative and psychosocial care into chronic care. ⋯ The CASA intervention was feasible based on participant enrollment, cohort retention, implementation of medical recommendations, minimal missing data, and acceptability. Several intervention changes were made based on participant feedback.
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Although hospices need to be able to anticipate patient acuity, there are currently no published models that predict the frequency of visits that a new hospice patient is likely to receive. ⋯ An acuity index based on these variables could help hospices to better anticipate patient needs and staff workload, and could be used to guide strategic planning as hospices take part in accountable care organizations (ACOs).