论文部分内容阅读
Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common condition globally and is responsible for burden to individuals and communities.Aim: To develop a statement using consultation methods to assist in setting standards for CHF programs and lobbying for service quality in Australia.Method: A four stage process was undertaken: (1) Consultation and engagement whereby key stakeholders, including state representatives, were consulted to determine the appropriate scope of the statement: (2) a national survey of providers and experts was undertaken using the conceptual framework of the Taxonomy for Disease Management (Krumholz et al 2006) and a mapping of program elements identified in systematic reviews and clinical guidelines;(3) a draft statement was developed in consultation with an Executive Advisory Group; (3) an online platform for commentary on the draft position statement was posted; (4) a nationally representative stakeholder consensus meeting was conducted, focusing on the development of an implementation plan for improving CHF services.Results: Respondents (n=261) responded to the online survey.It was identified that 73.5% of programs received ongoing funding and 19% were linked to a transplant service; 100% of funding was from State Health Departments.Identification of current activities was identified from this process.A statement was developed, commensurate with evidence based guidelines and an environmental scan of the national policy context.An extensive process of consultation has identified an implementation and lobby strategy to improve access to CHF care.Conclusions: In spite of the impressive evidence base for chronic heart failure management programs, access to and the quality of these programs is variable.The collaborative development of a statement to guide practice paves the way for a national, systematic approach to post-hospitalization CHF programs and developing national benchmarks and quality improvement processes.