Multidisciplinary HF Programme — EECC MCQ

Correct answer: C — The core team includes a HF cardiologist, HF specialist nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist/exercise specialist, dietitian, psychologist, and palliative care specialist — structured programmes reduce HF hospitalisation by 20-30% and improve quality of life

The ESC 2023 HF Guidelines strongly recommend multidisciplinary HF management programmes (Class I, LOE A) based on extensive evidence showing reduced hospitalisations (20-30%), improved quality of life, and potentially reduced mortality. Core components: (1) HF cardiologist (diagnosis, treatment decisions, advanced therapy assessment); (2) HF specialist nurse (education, self-management training, telephone support, medication titration protocols); (3) pharmacist (medication reconciliation, drug interactions, GDMT optimisation); (4) exercise physiologist/physiotherapist (cardiac rehabilitation); (5) dietitian (sodium/fluid management, weight monitoring, nutritional support); (6) psychologist/psychiatrist (depression/anxiety — prevalence 20-40% in HF, associated with worse outcomes); (7) palliative care (symptom management, advance care planning, end-of-life care); (8) social worker (disability support, caregiver support). Integration with primary care and community services is essential for continuity.

Reference: ESC (2023): HF Guidelines