Prise en charge du patient insuffisant cardiaque : évolution, organisation, application à l'échelle locale

Abstract

Heart failure is a severe disease wich prevalence and incidence are steadily growing, with high morbidity and mortality rates, and responsible for significant financial cost. This evolution requires our therapeutic approach to be modified, by favouring multidisciplinary management and including patient education. The proof of the effectiveness of these measures is brought by many studies, and therapeutic education is now recommended by the European Society of Cardiology. This new approach of management is set out according to various procedures. In Le Creusot, the therapeutic unit of heart failure management was created in September 2004 and operate on a day hospital pattern. The results are satisfactory knowing that the average duration of spells fell by 33% after one year. Further local initiatives are spreading and need shall arise to pooling equipments and personnels as well as reinforcing collaboration between public and private professionals in order to improve heart failure patients management. In the meantimea more sustained involvement of the autorities is to be hoped.