What is a heart failure disease management program?
Even when you are not having symptoms, periodic follow-ups with your health care providers are very important to evaluate your condition and your response to your medications. A heart failure disease management program is an outpatient program that can help you manage your heart failure condition and symptoms.
Often, heart failure disease management programs are run by certified advance practice nurses who provide direct care and coordinate treatment with your doctor.
Why should I participate in a disease management program?
A disease management program can provide you with the following benefits:
- An opportunity to optimize medications recommended for the heart failure patient
- Frequent assessment of your current condition, even when you feel fine, to make sure your treatment and medication plan are right for you, according to national treatment guidelines
- A chance to improve and maintain your optimum quality of life
- A decrease in the need for hospitalization and emergency department care
- Help in making and following lifestyle changes to manage your condition
- Answers to your questions
- Heart failure management advice
- Help in arranging palliative nursing care and home care as well as nutrition, pharmacy or social worker support when needed
How can I participate in a heart failure disease management program?
Ask your doctor what programs are offered in your health care system.
If you need more information, click here to contact us , chat online with a nurse or call the Heart and Vascular Institute Resource & Information Nurse at 216/445-9288 or toll-free at 866/289-6911. We would be happy to help you.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/06
