Improving implementation of evidence-based therapies for heart failure

Implementation Science to Achieve Equity in Heart Failure Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Guideline-directed medical therapies and guideline-directed nonpharmacological therapies improve quality of life and survival in patients with heart failure (HF), but eligible patients, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, are often not treated with these therapies. Implementation science uses evidence-based theories and frameworks to identify strategies that facilitate uptake of evidence to improve health. In this scientific statement, we provide an overview of implementation trials in HF, assess their use of conceptual frameworks and health equity principles, and provide pragmatic guidance for equity in HF. Overall, behavioral nudges, multidisciplinary care, and digital health strategies increased uptake of therapies in HF effectively but did not include equity goals. Few HF studies focused on achieving equity in HF by engaging stakeholders, quantifying barriers and facilitators to HF therapies, developing strategies for equity informed by theory or frameworks, evaluating implementation measures for equity, and titrating strategies for equity. Among these HF equity studies, feasibility was established in using various educational strategies to promote organizational change and equitable care. A couple include ongoing randomized controlled pragmatic trials for HF equity. There is great need for additional HF implementation trials designed to promote delivery of equitable guideline-directed therapy.

Patient Perspectives on Digital Interventions to Manage Heart Failure Medications: The VITAL-HF Pilot

Use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains unacceptably low. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a digital health tool can augment GDMT for patients with HFrEF. Participants ≥ 18 years old with symptomatic HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%) and with access to a mobile phone with internet were included. Participants were given a blood pressure cuff, instructed in its use, and given regular symptom surveys via cell-phone web-link. Data were transmitted to the Story Health web-based platform, and automated alerts were triggered based on pre-specified vital sign and laboratory data. Health coaches assisted patients with medication education, pharmacy access, and lab access through text messages and phone calls. GDMT titration plans were individually created in the digital platform by local clinicians based on entry vitals and labs. Twelve participants enrolled and completed the study. The median age and LVEF were 52.5 years (IQR, 46.5-63.5) and 25% (IQR, 22.5-35.5), respectively. There were 10 GDMT initiations, 52 up-titrations, and 13 down-titrations. Five participants engaged in focus-group interviews following study completion to understand first-hand perspectives regarding the use of digital tools to manage GDMT. Participants expressed comfort knowing that there were clinicians regularly reviewing their data. This alleviated concerns of uncertainty in daily living, led to an increased feeling of security, and empowered patients to understand decision-making regarding GDMT. Frequent medication changes, and the associated financial impact, were common concerns. Remote titration of GDMT for HFrEF is feasible and appears to be a patient-centered approach to care.