The Transitional Heart Failure clinic (THFC) provides home-based care to frail patients with heart failure who are approaching the end of their life. The main goals of patient care are to control symptoms, maximize function, maintain quality of life and reduce admission to the Emergency Department and to the hospital. This clinic service is provided by a nurse practitioner and a group of physicians from Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Care.
Location, hours and contact information
Tel: 902- 240-5267 available during clinic hours only
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of statutory holidays & planned closures.
How do I get an appointment?
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Patients who are referred to the Transitional Heart Failure Clinic will be contacted by the clinic nurse practitioner to schedule their appointments. It is most helpful to have a family member or your next of kin available for at least the first appointment. To prepare for your appointment, please have the following:
- A list of questions and concerns about your heart failure.
- A list of people or services involved in your care
- All the medication that you take available for review
- Record your weight daily before your first and follow-up visits
- Have an advanced directive and/or consider your wishes and goals for your health and discuss these with your substitute decision maker and/or family.
What questions should I ask?
- What can I do to manage my health?
- How will the THFC help manage my health?
- What is the role of my family practitioner?
- What is an Advanced Directive?
- What is the Special Patient Program?
- When do I call the THFC nurse practitioner?
- When do I call an ambulance?
What will happen at my appointment?
Following each visit The NP will provide a letter to your family practitioner detailing a plan of care and a plan for follow-up.
What happens after my first visit?
Heart failure is a progressive disease and as patients move to end of life, palliative care will be consulted for ongoing support in order to facilitate your goals of care and comfort.