Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of health care professionals (HCPs) on the transition of heart failure (HF) patients to a palliative care approach.
Method: Qualitative data were generated from 24 HCPs specializing in cardiology, care for the elderly, and palliative care. Data were analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis.
Results: Emergent themes related to the unpredictable trajectory of HF, causing prognostic ambiguity; the use of structured pathways in end-of-life decision making; and comparison of HF and cancer patients in terms of their requirements and access to high-quality palliative care.
Conclusion: There is a need for both established prognostic guidelines and further education to develop the communication skills to facilitate end-of-life discussions with HF patients.