Expert provider survey of longitudinal assessment in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2023

Publication Title

Heart & lung : the journal of critical care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) demand frequent assessment to keep pace with a dynamic and sometimes rapidly progressive disease course. To improve our understanding of patient monitoring, we conducted a survey of pulmonary hypertension (PH) providers to establish real-world practice patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the type and frequency of patient assessment methods employed by expert PH providers following PAH diagnosis METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of PH providers across the United States was utilized to assess provider practices. Between September 14, 2017 to October 17, 2017, a survey was distributed electronically to PH experts assessing follow-up frequency and testing evaluation of patients with PAH.

RESULTS: 40 (11.4%) providers completed the survey, representing cardiologists, pulmonologists, and advanced practice providers at centers who cared for an average of 95 patients per year with PAH. Follow-up testing and clinic evaluation was influenced by severity of patient illness. Frequency of re-assessment of clinic follow-up, six-minute walk test, echocardiogram, brain natriuretic peptide, and right heart catheterization in various clinical scenarios all reflected disparate practice.

CONCLUSIONS: Current clinical practice patterns in the monitoring of patients with PAH are variable and do not necessarily reflect guideline-based practices, suggesting the need for further research and improved guidelines on the frequency of follow up and repeat testing.

Volume

58

First Page

34

Last Page

38

DOI

10.1016/j.hrtlng.2022.10.016

ISSN

1527-3288

PubMed ID

36372061

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