Long Term Collaboration for Building Sustainable Palliative Care in Belarus (FR477)

Abstract

Objectives Identify a variety of potential pitfalls in translating existing models of palliative care research, quality improvement, and clinical interventions for heart failure. Explore solutions for overcoming challenges encountered while conducting research, clinical practice, and quality improvement in heart failure palliative care. More than 5.5 million Americans currently live with heart failure (HF). Despite improved survival, approximately 50% of patients will die within 5 years of diagnosis. Patients with HF suffer from high symptom burden, psychological distress, and dramatic functional limitations, impairing patient and caregiver quality of life. Given that the evidence base for HF palliative care (PC) is in its infancy, no established model of PC exists for this growing population. Unfortunately, our oncology-dominant approach to PC will not seamlessly translate to meet the needs of patients with HF. Distinctive characteristics of HF, such as its unpredictable trajectory, and the complexities of cardiac devices merit evaluation of how PC should be designed for HF to ensure maximal benefits. Using examples from our own work, this multidisciplinary, multi-institutional panel of PC professionals will highlight lessons learned from research, clinical implementation, and quality improvement related to HF PC. Drs Kavalieratos and Gelfman will share pitfalls encountered while conducting qualitative and quantitative research on the role and effectiveness of PC in HF. Dr Bakitas will discuss her experiences with translating proven oncology PC interventions for HF populations. Relevant to researchers and clinicians alike, Dr Goldstein will discuss the challenges of identifying HF patients with high palliative needs. Lastly, Dr Bekelman will share insights on developing an embedded outpatient HF PC clinic. By the end of this interactive session, participants will appreciate the idiosyncrasies of conducting research, clinical care, and quality improvement in HF PC. Panelists will share pearls of wisdom from our own experiences that can be leveraged by participants to enhance their local efforts. Participants are encouraged to come ready with questions and challenges to be discussed in a moderated question-and-answer session. Through shared learning and networking, this forum will nurture future work to meet the palliative needs of individuals affected by HF. Long Term Collaboration for Building Sustainable Palliative Care in Belarus (FR477) Kathleen Doyle, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Debra Skoniecki, ACHPN CNP MSN, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Rowley, MA. Galina Gheihman, HBSc, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.