Journal Article

Geriatricians’ perceptions on multidisciplinary heart failure care in Belgium an exploratory qualitative study

Nys, Bram, Smeets, Miek, Vaes, Bert, Raat, Willem

2026

Overview

Background The perceptions of general practitioners (GP), cardiologists and pharmacists on multidisciplinary heart failure (HF) care were studied before. However, geriatricians are often overlooked in HF research, despite the high prevalence of HF in the elderly. Therefore, we investigated how geriatricians perceive their role in multidisciplinary HF care. Methods This study is a qualitative semi-structured interview study with geriatricians, working in Flanders, Belgium. Purposive sampling was performed, and interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The QUAGOL method was used for data analysis. Results Thirteen geriatricians were interviewed. They reported to feel confident about HF management and see themselves as the guardians of the patient during hospitalization. Regarding care organization during the hospitalization phase, striking differences were reported in triage at the emergency department (ED). Geriatricians were satisfied with the collaboration with the cardiologists and valued their role, although they reported differences in vision about dealing with geriatric HF patients. Regarding transmural care organization, follow-up after hospitalization was valued highly to prevent rehospitalization but most geriatricians did not see this as their responsibility. They mostly passed on the follow-up to the GP and the cardiologist. Some did take this follow-up into their own hands in various forms because of the high rehospitalization rate and many suggested ways to improve the organization of multidisciplinary HF care. Advance care planning was seen as an important aspect of geriatrics, yet they expected more involvement from both the cardiologist and the GP in this matter. Conclusions Based on these results, our study highlights three recommendations for optimizing the care of geriatric HF patients. First, the development of standardized methods to triage patients at the ED, in combination with geriatric-cardiologist co-management to ensure that each patient receives appropriate in-hospital care. Secondly, structured and closer transitional follow-up to limit readmission rates. Lastly, inclusion of advance care planning as a mandatory component in every HF program.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: COVID-19 / Data analysis / Females / Geriatricians / Health Administration / Health care organization / Health Informatics / Heart failure / Hospitalization / Hospitals / Interviews / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Multidisciplinary teams / Nursing Research / Pandemics / Public Health / Qualitative research