Chronic heart failure (CHF) is defined as a complex clinical syndrome that is frequently, but not exclusively, characterised by objective evidence of an underlying structural abnormality or cardiac dysfunction. CHF affects up to 3% of the adult population and this rate is consistent throughout the developed world. In spite of the proven efficacy of treatments, there is a common theme of low implementation rates for recommended therapeutic guidelines. In Australia, where access to specialist CHF management is limited, the burden of care, for the 40% of CHF patients living outside capital cities falls predominantly onto community-based general practitioners (GPs). Unfortunately, there are diminishing numbers of GPs in rural and remote regions and this has created an apparent dual deficit in terms of equitable access to primary and specialist care for the CHF population living in these areas. The purpose of this research was to determine, in a series of themed studies, the population distribution, management and potential information technology solutions for CHF in rural and remote Australia. Appropriate methods were utilised for each study and included epidemiological studies, a quantitative analysis of a large practice audit, geo-mapping, a systematic review, a case study review and a qualitative analysis of participant feedback and clinical notes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/269018 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Clark, Robyn A |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | EN-AUS |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Copyright 2007 Robyn Clark |
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