Jane Oshinowo, RN(EC), BScN, PNC, Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner, York Community Services, Staff Nurse, St. Michaels Hospital, Toronto, ON.
Heart failure is a serious illness characterized by impaired quality of life, decreased survival and frequent hospitalization, which mainly affects older adults. As the population ages, there is concern that congestive heart failure-related costs will place an undue strain on the health care system unless more cost-effective management is implemented. Various multidisciplinary strategies researched have demonstrated improved quality of life, reduced hospitalization, a trend towards decreased mortality, and a potential for cost savings.
Key words: heart failure, quality of life, cardiac nurse, disease management, cost.
