Measure description
Percentage of patients 18 years of age and older with congestive heart failure who completed initial and follow-up patient-reported functional status assessments
Rationale
Patients living with congestive heart failure (CHF) often have poor functional status and health-related quality of life, which declines as the disease progresses (Allen et al., 2012). In addition, their care is often complicated by multiple comorbidities. To assist in managing these complex patients, the American College of Cardiology Foundation and American Heart Association recommend collecting initial and repeat assessments of a patient's function and ability to complete desired activities of daily living (Hunt et al ., 2009). The American Heart Association has also released scientific statements emphasizing the collection of patient-reported health status (for example, functional limitations, symptom burden, quality of life) from CHF patients as an important means of establishing a dynamic conversation between patient and provider regarding care goals and the patient's priorities (Allen et al., 2012; Rumsfeld et al., 2013).
Clinical Recommendation Statements
American College of Cardiology Foundation and American Heart Association (2013): Every patient with HF (heart failure) should have a clear, detailed, and evidence-based plan of care that ensures the achievement of GDMT (guideline-directed medical therapy) goals, effective management of comorbid conditions, timely follow-up with the health care team, appropriate dietary and physical activities, and compliance with secondary prevention guidelines for cardiovascular disease. This plan of care should be updated regularly and made readily available to all members of each patient's health care team.
(Class of recommendation: I; Level of evidence: C )
Level C: Only consensus opinion of experts, case studies, or standard of care
Class I: Procedure/treatment should be performed/administered