British Journal of General Practice | 2019

Opportunities and challenges of a novel cardiac output response to stress (CORS) test to enhance diagnosis of heart failure in primary care: a qualitative study

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Abstract


Background Primary care physicians lack access to an objective cardiac function test during diagnostic testing for suspected heart failure. Aim To determine the role of the novel Cardiac Output Response to Stress (CORS) test in the current diagnostic pathway for heart failure and the opportunities and challenges to potential implementation in primary care. Method Qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews which were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data from the interviews were analysed thematically using an inductive approach. Fourteen healthcare professionals (six males, eight females) from primary (GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, and practice managers) and secondary care (consultant cardiologists) participated. Results Four themes relating to opportunities and challenges surrounding the implementation of the new diagnostic technology were identified. These reflected that adoption of CORS test would be an advantage to primary care but the test had barriers to implementation which include establishment of clinical utility, suitability for immobile patients, and cost implication to GP practices. Conclusion The development of a simple non-invasive clinical test to accelerate the diagnosis of heart failure in primary care maybe helpful to reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care. The CORS test has the potential to serve this purpose however, factors such as cost-effectiveness, diagnostic accuracy, and seamless implementation in primary care have to be fully explored.

Volume 69
Pages None
DOI 10.3399/bjgp19x703421
Language English
Journal British Journal of General Practice

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