What findings were reported by two studies regarding the need for education and joint working between specialties to improve communication with patients and families?
GPs expressed a need for education around the identification and diagnosis of heart failure patients; and that with such an improvement in their own understanding their ability to communicate this information to the patient would improve. They felt that changes needed to be made within the health profession first before information on the identification and diagnosis of heart failure can be more clearly communicated to patients. Cardiology and palliative care staff reported a lack of clarity regarding what had previously been discussed with and disclosed to patients. They recommended mutual education and joint working between the specialties to improve communication to the patient and family.