Case study: Heart Failure Policy Network

One in five of us can expect to develop heart failure at some point in our lives. Heart failure is the leading cause of unplanned hospitalisations and the most common cause of all hospitalisations in people over 65. Many hospitalisations are preventable and quality of life can be significantly improved with the right care. However, few policymakers are aware of the growing burden of heart failure and its impact on our health systems, economies and societies.

Heart failure advocates across Europe needed a compelling and evidence-based case for change to engage decision-makers in expanding and reshaping heart failure services. As secretariat for the Heart Failure Policy Network, HPP led the development of The handbook of multidisciplinary and integrated heart failure care, arguably one of the most accessible, comprehensive policy guides to the effective management of heart failure.

The handbook was launched at the European Parliament in 2018, with public endorsements from more than 30 leading organisations. It has inspired national advocates to generate policy submissions and strengthen existing policy platforms. In Spain, advocates used the handbook to secure concrete policy commitments to heart failure in a forthcoming national strategy on cardiovascular health. In Portugal, it was central to a new, multi-stakeholder strategy to transform heart failure care.