Nonpharmacological Management of Heart Failure

Self-care abilities in patients with heart failure (HF) are directly related to quality of life and outcomes such as hospitalizations and mortality. Patient education is essential in helping patients gain knowledge and skills to become successful in self-care. As the trajectory of the patient’s course changes, the HF team members identify barriers, help the patient adapt, and work toward desired goals. Communication and shared decisions about prognosis, symptom management, and treatment options require the HF team to connect with patients and have difficult conversations that can be facilitated with palliative care consultations.