What is the role of the general practitioner in the management of chronic heart failure?
The role of the general practitioner in the management of chronic heart failure is to offer a longitudinal and individualised approach. They should review the patient's clinical record at least every six months, whether or not the person is being routinely managed by HF specialist services. This should enable active management of comorbidities and early identification of other service needs, and prevent loss of contact, and thereby encourage continuity of management between primary care and heart failure services. The idea of a GP-led review is not to duplicate the work of the MDT, but to address the wider concerns of the person with CHF.