Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinics

Interested in starting a nurse clinic focused on supporting patients with chronic heart failure?

Want to learn new skills in health coaching?

Applications for Phase 2 Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinics Project is in planning for late 2021 - date TBA

Phase 1 Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinics Project completed December 2020

APNA’s Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic Phase 1 project supported six general practices to each establish chronic heart failure nurse clinic in targeted areas of Western Australia through the provision of seed funding, professional development including health coaching education and support.

Chronic Heart Failure is a key priority for the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), with the most recent needs analysis indicating the significant burden of chronic heart failure in specific areas within the Western Australian population. This project provided the opportunity to shift the focus of care towards the management of patients with chronic heart failure in the primary health care setting, with appropriate support from the acute and community care sectors.

Nurse clinics in general practice provide an innovative approach to care delivery. While the format of nurse clinics may vary, studies overwhelmingly show that nurse clinics result in improved health outcomes, reduced waiting times for patients and decreased rates of hospital admission. For areas of health workforce shortages and rural and remote areas with limited access to health care services, nurse clinics can provide patients with improved access to health advice and treatment (Howe 2016).

The Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic Project is supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Project aims

The overall outcomes of the project were:

• To improve the treatment and care of patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure in primary health care settings, through the establishment of nurse clinics

• To increase the confidence and competency of the participating primary health care nurses to implement evidence-based, nurse clinics focused on chronic heart failure

• To improve access to resources and information for the primary health care workforce, related to the care of patients with chronic heart failure