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 ORCID: 0000-0002-4939-1597, Chew-Graham, Carolyn A, Sowden, Emma ORCID: 0000-0002-3538-8725, Blakeman, Tom, Wellwood, Ian, Tierney, Stephanie and Deaton, Christi (2022) Challenges in the management of people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in primary care: A qualitative study of general practitioner perspectives. CHRONIC ILLNESS, 18 (2). pp. 410-425.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1742395320983871

Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>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).<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Discussion</h4>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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	General practitioners, primary care, heart failure, HFpEF, qualitative methods
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2023 17:19
Last Modified:	30 Jan 2023 17:19
DOI:	10.1177/1742395320983871
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3167968