Understanding the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a qualitative multiperspective study

The Optimise HFpEF teams in Cambridge, Keele and Manchester interviewed 50 patients, 9 carers and 73 healthcare providers to determine their perspectives on the diagnosis and management of HFpEF, and what is and isn’t happening in practice.  The teams confirmed that diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF is not part of everyday practice in General Practice, and that the condition was not widely visible, understood or diagnosed within Primary Care.  Three main tensions were identified:  difficult and often delayed diagnosis; varying perceptions of HFpEF and lack of shared understanding; and variability in services available for patients with HFpEF.  These problems hinder efforts to improve management of patients with HFpEF.  You can access the full paper here:  https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp20X713477  You can also view a brief podcast with Emma Sowden (first author of the paper) with The Naked Scientists team here:  https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/short/hfpef-heart-failure-type-underserved

Qualitative Study and Protocol Paper

The qualitative study has finished recruitment after interviewing 135 participants (54 patients, 8 carers and 73 healthcare providers). Thank you to everyone who participated as your experiences, insights and ideas are invaluable. The data are being analysed, and Emma Sowden (University of Manchester) is leading the analysis and has written a draft of the first paper. We will keep you informed about the papers from this very rich dataset.

In an update from this original post on 23/09/19, the protocol paper (Optimising Management of Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Primary Care (OPTIMISE-HFpEF): Rationale and Protocol for a Multi-Method Study) has now been published in BJGP Open, and can be read via this link:

https://bjgpopen.org/content/3/4/bjgpopen19X101675.long

Study process

The longitudinal cohort study started recruitment of patients with HFpEF in June 2018.  See the videos for more information on what a study visit entails.

We are working with primary care practices and HF services in the East of England, the Thames Valley and the West Midlands.

The qualitative work package is ongoing in Cambridge, Keele and Manchester.  Thanks to patients, carers and health care providers for sharing their views and perspectives with us.