Availability of Heart Failure Medications in Hospice Care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Availability of cardiac medications in hospice for acute symptom management of heart failure is unknown. This study explored hospice approaches to cardiac medications for patients with heart failure. METHODS: Descriptive study using a quantitative survey of 46 US hospice agencies and clinician interviews. RESULTS: Of 31 hospices that provided standard home medication kits for acute symptom management, only 1 provided medication with cardiac indications (oral furosemide). Only 22% of the hospice agencies had a specific cardiac medication kit. Just over half (57%) of the agencies could provide intravenous inotropic therapy, often in multiple hospice settings. Clinicians described an individualized approach to cardiac medications for patients with heart failure. CONCLUSION: This study highlights opportunities for practice guidelines that inform medical therapy for hospice patients with heart failure.