Patients diagnosed with HEART FAILURE undergo a diagnostic/therapeutic protocol that includes a DIAGNOSTIC FRAMEWORK with potential PATIENT AND/OR CAREGIVER MANAGEMENT, managed by the CARDIO-CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE operating within the Cardiology Division of the Bolzano Health District.
The cardiopsychological pathway includes: First diagnostic phase: involves an assessment through a semi-structured interview with possible support from psychometric tests. Constructs related to mood and therapeutic adherence are investigated. Second therapeutic phase: involves supportive discussions using cognitive/behavioral methods, focusing on acceptance and adaptation to the disease.
The purpose of this observational work is to establish a standardized multidisciplinary protocol to support cardiac facilities in managing heart failure. Improving patient management through integrated work aims to stabilize the disease progression, increase therapeutic adherence, enhance mood, and optimize the perception of quality of life.
CASE STUDY
Patients YEARS 2021-2023 Heart Failure Center
Category/Year
2021
2022
2023
Average Age
72
71
70
Gender
F 72 M172
F 89 M221
F 101 M270
CONCLUSIONS
The integrated approach in heart failure care becomes crucial to anticipate the recognition of factors hindering patient stabilization and defining a care path that meets the patient’s needs. Integrating the work of professionals such as physicians, nurses, and psychologists helps improve patient management, working towards a shared path for the delicate balance that the nature of the pathology entails. The goal of the multidisciplinary team is not only clinical improvement but, from a systemic perspective, accompanying the patient in the disease process with attention to what is crucial for the individual patient.
Bibliography
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Hallas C.N., Wray J., et all. Depression and perceptions about heart failure predict quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure, Heart & Lung, Volume 40, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 111-121, ISSN 0147-9563
Celano CM, Villegas AC, et all. Depression and Anxiety in Heart Failure: A Review. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2018 Jul/Aug;26(4):175-184
Dal Lin C.,Migliorini R., et all. Approccio integrato nella cura della coronaropatia in ‘PNEI REVIEW’ 2/2017, pp 71-80