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Challenges in the management of people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in primary care : A qualitative study of general practitioner perspectives
Hossain, Muhammad Z. Chew-Graham, Carolyn A. Sowden, Emma Blakeman, Thomas Wellwood, Ian Tierney, Stephanie Deaton, Christi
Hossain, Muhammad Z.
Chew-Graham, Carolyn A.
Sowden, Emma
Blakeman, Thomas
Wellwood, Ian
Tierney, Stephanie
Deaton, Christi
Abstract
Objectives
To explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) on the identification and management of people, including those from ethnic minority groups, with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF).
Methods
Qualitative study. Semi-structured, face-to-face or telephone interviews and focus groups were conducted with 35 GPs in England, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used to manage and interpret data.
Results
Themes presented reflect four inter-related challenges: GPs’ 1) lack of understanding HFpEF, impacting on 2) difficulties in communicating the diagnosis, leading to 3) uncertainty in managing people with HFpEF, further hindered by (4) discontinuity across the primary/secondary interface. All were considered more challenging by GPs when managing people from different cultures and languages.
Discussion
HFpEF is not well understood by GPs, leading to diagnostic difficulty, management uncertainty and potential inequity in care offered. People with HFpEF are seen as complex, with multiple long-term conditions and requiring personalised care. Challenges in their management occur across the healthcare system. This study has identified learning needs for GPs around identification and on-going support for people with HFpEF in primary care. It will contribute to the development of more flexible and patient-centred pathways across the primary/secondary care interface.
Keywords
general practitioners, primary care, heart failure, HFpEF, qualitative methods
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Chronic Illness
Book
Volume
18
Issue
2
Page Range
410-425
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open