Scientific Poster Session II - Students Research-in-Progress

Students Research in Progress
  Sunday, October 13, 2024
  12:45 PM–02:15 PM

Abstract

Introduction:

Heart failure (HF), particularly chronic HF, presents a significant global challenge due to its high mortality rates and frequent hospital readmissions. Recently, the development of new anti-HF medications has introduced innovative approaches to HF prevention and treatment]. Implementing guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) at an early stage is essential for lowering patient mortality rates, reducing readmissions, and enhancing quality of life. The hindered implementation of GDMT is currently attributed to three primary factors: patient-related, treatment-related, and healthcare-related. Patient-related factors, particularly adherence, multiple comorbidities like depression, and aging, present significant challenges in optimizing GDMT. Our aim was to describe the patient-specific factors affecting the adoption of GDMT and identify potential opportunities for intervention.

Research Question or Hypothesis:

This study aims to uncover and address patient-specific barriers to improve GDMT adherence and overall heart failure management.

Study Design:

Cross sectional, retrospective, programmatic chart review

Methods:

Heart Failure (HF) patients followed by primary care providers (PCPs) at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) within the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical in Oregon were identified utilizing ICD10 codes. A standardized data collection tool was developed to collect demographics, co-morbidities, current medications, medical history, and pertinent laboratory values. Both VA and non-VA records were reviewed to assess if GDMT could be safely optimized, and this information was presented to the HF cardiologist for potential recommendations. Specific medication, laboratory, cardiology consultation or follow-up appointment recommendations were sent to each patient’s PCP via a brief note in their electronic medical record. Patient demographics, comorbidities, patient level barriers to optimize GDMT and GDMT usage were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The frequency of recommendations was stratified by recommendation category. The Institutional Review Board approved this as a quality-improvement project.

Results:

In Progress

Conclusion:

In Progress

Presenting Author

Ana Raquel Dueñez PharmD Candidate 2025
University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy

Authors

Kennedy King PharmD Candiate 2025
University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy

Lilyana-Andrea Munoz PharmD Candidate 2025
University of Texas at El Paso

Carrie Puckett DO
Veteran Affairs Portland Health Care System

Harleen Singh PharmD, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, BCACP, FOSHP
University of Texas at El Paso