Chronic heart failure occurs in 1.5–2% of all Australians. Its incidence rises with age: 10% of people aged 65 and over are affected.
This program, known as MACARF (Management of Cardiac Function), covers a range of services to monitor and assist patients at home. While heart failure is still a serious diagnosis, many people can now be stabilised on medication and live long, high-quality lives.
Over 4,000 heart failure patients have been enrolled in the program, making it one of the largest of its type in Australia.
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to reduce the need for hospital admission, improve health and quality of life, and cut healthcare costs. An important way to achieve this is to educate and support patients and their carers. By understanding risk factors, lifestyle, medication and other factors, patients are better able to manage their condition.
Ongoing support for patients
What is heart failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood through the body. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight gain, swelling of the ankles, weakness and fatigue.
In the past, being diagnosed with heart failure often meant a very grave outlook. The condition causes much distress, and reduces quality of life.
Communicating with frightened patients who are sick and in hospital can be difficult, as they often don't listen carefully.
Patients with English as a second language can misunderstand medical instructions. Also, many patients become lonely and depressed. They need support in managing their condition once at home.
What's involved?
Patients are monitored at home by nurse specialists and GPs, with input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers. Regular exercise, daily weighing and best treatment are all covered in the service.
The program offers help with the long-term medication needed to stabilise the condition and prevent further decline. To achieve a good outcome, patients must follow a strict medical and lifestyle routine. Missing a tablet, having a few salt-laden meals or drinking excess alcohol may be all it takes to tip a person into fluid congestion, with its alarming sense of suffocation.
What has the program achieved?
Hundreds of patients have benefitted from this support. Results include:
- improved quality of life
- improved sense of well-being
- better awareness and understanding of their condition
- reduced risk of relapse and re-hospitalisation.
