Abstract
Problem: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death in the United States and unfortunately there is no cure for the disease. A mainstay of therapy focuses on symptom management and quality of life, which involves palliative care (PC) as a necessary component. But, the underutilization of PC in HF is alarming and deserves attention.|Purpose: To identify the barriers for the under utilization of PC services, as well as interventions to overcome those barriers.|Subjects: The sample consisted of hospitalists, cardiologists, and heart failure providers.|Methods: A 14 question survey that attempted to identify barriers to PC consultations and interventions to overcome those barriers was sent to each subject via Survey Monkey.|Results: All of the survey respondents (n=6) agreed with the guideline to consult PC for Stage D or symptomatic advanced HF. The major barrier identified by 50% of the providers for consulting PC was difficulty with coordination and continuity of care. In addition, 50% of the providers felt that more education regarding what PC is and how it can benefit HF patients would help to overcome the barriers.|Conclusions: In general, all of the providers felt that PC is beneficial to HF patients. The findings highlighted the need for further research to improve coordination of PC consultations and provide further education to providers on the benefits of PC with HF patients.|Key Words: heart failure, palliative care, barriers, symptom management, quality of life