Assessing the frequency of continuation of beta blocker therapy among patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure - a pilot audit in a multi-centre Australian hospital.

Abstract

Background: Current evidence supports the continuation of beta blockers (BB) in patients already taking them when presenting with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). To gain a better understanding of our current practice and develop evidence based, and practice focussed recommendations, a pilot audit was conducted. Purpose(s): The primary aim is to evaluate the proportion of patients admitted with ADHF who continued their BB therapy. The secondary aim was to examine the proportion of patients who required escalation of therapy and the proportion of patients who received all 4 pillars of guideline directed therapy (GDMT). Method(s): A retrospective audit of patients admitted for ADHF and given a BB during admission over August 2023-September 2023 was conducted. Patients' demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and medications prescribed were recorded. Result(s): A total of 60 patients were admitted for management of ADHF. The median age of patients was 75+/-16 years and median CCI 3+/-2. A total of 29 patients were administered a BB therapy while they were in ADHF. Of that cohort, 28 (96%) patients were on a BB therapy prior to admission and continued them while being inpatients. A total of 5 patients required escalation of therapy including one patient who started BB while in ADHF A total of 4 patients (6%) were discharged on all 4 pillars of GDMT. Conclusion(s): This audit confirms practice of B blocker continuation therapy in ADHF patients is mostly compliant with recommendations. It also identified an opportunity to address gaps in adhering to prescribing guidelines.Copyright © 2024