What is the impact of systems of care for heart failure on patients diagnosed with heart failure: a systematic review.

Background: Hospital admissions for heart failure are predicted to rise substantially over the next decade placing increasing pressure on the health care system. There is an urgent need to redesign systems of care for heart failure to improve evidence-based practice and create seamless transitions through the continuum of care. The aim of the review was to examine systems of care for heart failure that reduce hospital readmissions and/or mortality.

A systematic approach to chronic heart failure care: a consensus statement.

The National Heart Foundation of Australia assembled an expert panel to provide guidance on policy and system changes to improve the quality of care for people with chronic heart failure (CHF). The recommendations have the potential to reduce emergency presentations, hospitalisations and premature death among patients with CHF. Best-practice management of CHF involves evidence-based, multidisciplinary, patient-centred care, which leads to better health outcomes.

Smoking behavior among patients and staff: a snapshot from a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted to provide a snapshot of smoking behavior among staff and patients at a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne.

Methods: Patients and staff were surveyed using a questionnaire exploring demographics, nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom test), readiness to quit, and preference for smoking cessation options.

Results: A total of 1496 people were screened within 2 hours; 1,301 participated (1,100 staff, 199 patients).

Impact of C-reactive protein on treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: The impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease is described.

Summary: CRP is a marker of coronary heart disease and other disease states. Its release from the liver activates endothelial dysfunction and contributes to atherothrombosis.