Heart failure and the need for high-quality end-of-life care

This paper provides the reader with an overview of the disease trajectory associated with heart failure, exploring the need for adequate end-of-life care provision in this patient group. Barriers to providing successful end-of-life care are discussed. These include difficulties in handling patient denial, discussions about poor prognosis and dealing with patients’ emotional involvement. Staff education is needed as cardiac staff often lack the communication skills necessary to handle these issues. Recommendations are made that will aid the removal of these barriers and ultimately improve end-of-life care provision for this group.