Research Outline

Heart Failure Patients: User Journey

Goals

To understand the user journey of a patient that is diagnosed with heart failure. This should include the tools used during the journey as well as the biggest pain points or unmet needs of these heart failure patients.

Early Findings

  • According to a study that analyzed 214 patients that were hospitalized due to heart failure in Poland, it was found that "for 55% of rehospitalized patients, the subsequent admission was within 3 months after initial discharge".
  • Cardiac patients were the most likely group to receive diuretics, β-blockers, MRA, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).
  • After discharge from the hospital, more than 90% of patients in the cardiac ward were "referred to cardiac ambulatory care".
  • About 735,000 people in the United States have a heart attack yearly.
  • In a 2005 survey, the majority of respondents (92%) "recognized chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack". However, just 27% of respondents were aware of all the major symptoms of heart attack.
  • Although treatment for heart failure often starts in hospitals, a large part of ongoing care happens at home.
  • A major challenge for many people with heart failure is "self-care and adopting an active role in managing their condition".