Critical importance of the timely referral for advanced HF therapies cannot be overemphasized. Significant variations in the delivery of healthcare exist at the community level and result in missed opportunities for optimization and stabilization, and in delayed referral to HF specialists. Standardizing the referral process across a wide spectrum of healthcare providers/ systems has the potential to significantly improve quality of care and patient outcomes. In this session, we will discuss the referral process for HF patients in details. We will discuss clinical features that may indicate presence of an advanced HF and help guide the timing of referral. We also intend to discuss opportunities that may help improve potential bias in the referral process for minorities and women with advanced HF. Advances in technology (monitoring devices, electronic medical records, etc) may further offer valuable tools in streamlining the referral process. Finally, the patient referral process can be a valuable tool to strengthen relationships between referring and referred providers. It also offers prospects of improving community awareness via direct interactions and standardized processes.

At the completion of this educational activity, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the clinical features that help identify advanced HF.
2. Describe the optimal timing of referral and role of technology in the referral process.
3. Recognize the racial and gender biases in referral process for advanced HF.

In support of improving patient care, the Heart Failure Society of America is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

The Heart Failure Society of America designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component and post-test with 75% passing score, enables the participant to earn up to 1.0 MOC contact hours in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.  Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

This educational activity is approved for nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) units by the Heart Failure Society of America, an accredited provider of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This activity is approved for a maximum 1.0 contact hours. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.