PathWell Home Healthcare Heart Failure Protocol
PathWell’s in-Home Healthcare Adheres to Heart Failure Protocols to Help Minimize the
Impact of the Patient’s Condition
PathWell Home Health Heart Failure Goals of Care
- Patient will maintain optimal cardiac function as evidenced by clear lung sounds, no shortness of breath, and absence of, or reduced, edema
- Vital signs will be within normal limits for the patient
- Increased activity tolerance related to cardiovascular status
- Reduce rate of hospitalization
The Heart Failure Patient and Caregiver Will be Instructed on the Following:
- Daily weights (when to weigh, reason for weights, recording weights, and when to notify MD / RN)
- Notify MD of weight changes based on individual MD recommendations
- Lower extremity elevation
- Activity pacing
- Use of TED hose (if ordered)
- Measures to promote circulation
- Medication management and adherence
- Fluid restriction (if ordered)
- Diet management
- Healthy coping strategies
- Smoking cessation
Key Assessment Points for Heart Failure Patients:
- Weight (obtain from patient’s daily weight chart)
- Orthostatic blood pressure
- Edema
- Lung and heart sounds
- Pulse oximetry
- Medication adherence
- Adherence with diet and / or fluid restrictions