DIRECT HF in a nutshell
The goal of the DIRECT HF initiative is to improve the management of heart failure by promoting the optimal implementation of guideline-directed cardiac rhythm management device therapy (ICDs and CRT) for patients living with heart failure, particularly those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
DIRECT HF focuses on improving patient outcomes by:
- Sharing best practices in the guideline-directed use of CRM device therapy in heart failure
- Fostering multidisciplinary team approaches
- Integrating all components of HF care, namely drugs, devices, interventions, lifestyle, and monitoring
A global peer to
peer program
Educational program led by 16 internationally renowned experts
Provide practical guidance for the identification and timely referral of eligible patients
To improve patient referral
Drive and improve awareness
Educational program curriculum
Local/regional educational program
implementation
The unmet needs
- Despite recent positive trials with drug therapies for HFrEF, the residual risk remains high for these patients.
- Eligible patients are not referred or are referred too late even in hospitals that have an implanting center.
- The collaboration between HF specialists and device implanters is suboptimal.
- CRM devices are underutilized in clinical practice and their appropriate use is debated.
- The role of ICDs in combination with medical therapy to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death needs to be re-emphasized.
References
- McMurray JJ et al. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:993-1004;
- McMurray JJV et al. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:1995-2008;
- Packer M et al. N Engl J Med. 2020;383:1413-24;
- Tromp J et al. JACC Heart Fail. 2022;10:73-84;
- Leyva F et al. Circulation. 2023;147:759-67;
- Rohde LE et al. JACC Heart Fail. 2020;8:844-55;
- Mignone JL et al. Heart Rhythm O2. 2024;5:168-73;
- Mullens W et al. Eur J Heart Fail. 2020;22:2349-69;
- Mullens W et al. Eur J Heart Fail. 2024;26:483-501
Objectives
- Share best practices and research on the role of CRM devices (CRT and ICDs) in the management of patients with HFrEF.
- Better understand the perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients regarding CRM devices.
- Provide guideline summaries and practical guidance to identify patients who are candidates for CRM device therapy.
- Ensure timely referral of patients eligible for CRM devices.
- Promote close collaboration between HF specialists and device implanters.
