Using advance care planning for end-of-life care in heart failure improves outcomes

Commentary on: Schichtel M, Wee B, Perera R, Onakpoya I. The effect of advance care planning on heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gen Internal Med 2019. Epub ahead of print 12 November. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05482-w. Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive condition with tremendous burden on healthcare, patients and families. Six million Americans live with HF, projected to be eight million by 2030.¹ Despite medical developments, HF mortality remains 50% 5 years after diagnosis.² As HF progresses, patients, providers and families experience more suffering and symptom burden, impairing quality of life more …