DIALOZIC - Pilot Study of a Diagnostic Pathway for Heart Failure in Rural Areas: the Contribution of Telebiology and Telemedicine

Heart failure is a frequent pathology, under-diagnosed specially in elderly patients due to sometimes non-specific clinical signs. Diagnosis requires coordination between primary care, biology platforms and cardiology teams for cross-disciplinary management. This is not easy to achieve in areas with a low medical density, and the challenge is to propose care pathways adapted to the region, to avoid patients losing out in these Brefterritoires. This multicentric study, using a "here/elsewhere" and "before/after" format, will examine the benefits of capillary NT-pro-BNP POCT directly available by the general practitioner on the basis of warning signs. A coordinated care pathway is set up with local resources. If the Nt-pro-BNP is above the age adapted exclusion cut-off value, the patient receives multi-professional support for the diagnosis and follow-up of diagnosed heart failure via local cardiologists. If an appointements with a cardiologist could not be obtained within 3 months, a fast-echo will be performed by a clinician trained in ultrasound methods. The fast echo, ECG and clinical data will be analyzed using teleexpertise support by a cardiologist of the Montpellier University Hospital. The patient follow-up will be performed by the general practician. A final evaluation will be performed at 1 year.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients over 60 years of age
• Patient presenting at least 1 sign of EPOF on clinical examination (Shortness of breath at rest or on exertion, orthopnea, nocturnal cough; Rapid weight gain, hepatomegaly ; Peripheral edema ; Fatigue (asthenia), difficulty performing daily activities)

Exclusion criteria

• Patients covered by Articles L1121-5 through L1121-8 of the Public Health Code (persons under legal protection, guardianship, or conservatorship)
• Patients not enrolled in the French social security system or an equivalent program
• Lack of free and informed consent