About this episode

The episode discusses the essential role of palliative care in managing heart failure, particularly in the context of advanced therapies.

Dr. Jenna Skowronski , Dr. Shazli Khan , and Dr. Alix Barnes discuss the involvement of palliative care throughout the heart failure spectrum with Dr. Sarah Chuzi . Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes . In this episode, we discuss utilizing palliative care principles while caring for patients with heart failure, particularly those being considered for advanced therapies. We emphasize utilization of communication frameworks when discussing prognosis and making decisions on pursuing therapies such as palliative inotropes, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), and heart transplant. Additionally, we discuss when to involve specialty palliative care services. Finally, we highlight the difference between palliative care and hospice and how to help patients navigate the transition from life-prolonging care to hospice. Dr. Jenna Skowronski is the Chair for the CardioNerds Heart Failure Council. Dr. Jenna Skowronski and Dr. Shazli Khan are the Co-chairs for the CardioNerds Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Series. Dr. Alix Barnes is the CardioNerds FIT Ambassador at UPMC and member of the CardioNerds Critical Care Cardiology…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Jenna Skowronski, Dr. Shazli Khan, Dr. Alix Barnes

Guest: Dr. Sarah Chuzi

Topics covered

• heart failure
• palliative care
• advanced therapies
• communication frameworks
• hospice transition
• patient care

Keywords

• heart failure
• palliative care
• advanced therapies
• communication
• hospice
• inotropes
• LVADs
• heart transplant

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CardioNerds, UPMC, US Cardiology Review

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