The numbers of individuals living with Heart Failure (HF) continue to rise both in the Northern Territory (NT) and nationally and results in a significant burden of disease. Nationally HF occurs in as many as 2% of the overall population, rising to 10% in the above 65 years age group. This consistently accounts for 1-2% of the total health care budget. In 2011 the Department of Health recognised the need to direct resources to HF.
Objectives
To describe the development and establishment of a Heart Failure Program (HFP) in the Top End.
Methods
The HFP was developed following examination of NT HF data, including admission trends at the Royal Darwin Hospital. A comprehensive literature review of existing program designs also occurred. The HFP structure was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and consists of a multi-disciplinary team of Nurses, Cardiologists and Allied Health Workers. The program encompasses the principles of support, monitoring and treatment of clients whilst providing education that enables empowerment,
Results
HFP data currently reveals that 55% of Top End HF clients reside within 50km of Darwin and are predominately male (63%) with Ischaemic Heart Disease (50%) being the most common co-morbidity. 54% of clients entering the HFP are of Indigenous descent, of which 77% reside in remote locations.
Conclusion
Nurse Led HFP’s have been shown to reduce hospitalisation both in frequency and duration. Additionally they improve medication compliance, increase quality of life and reduce health care costs. Due to the infancy of this program these results are not yet measurable and further investigation is pending.