Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Health Failure (CHF) is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in the United States, affecting over 6 million people. Disparities exist in CHF management by race and gender. The objective of this study is to evaluate patient preferences in care and the patient-HCP relationship from the perspective of patients with CHF and how they vary by sociodemographic factors (e.g., race, gender, etc.).
METHODS: A quantitative, IRB-exempted, non-interventional study was conducted in the United States from November 2024 to January 2025. The study comprised of a questionnaire for US patients with CHF. Key metrics included perceptions of their current treatment experience, relationship with their cardiologist, and new treatments.
RESULTS: A total of 75 patients with CHF participated in the study with an average age of 51. Among the patients, 36% (27) identified as Black alone, and 44% (33) identified as White alone; 43% (32) identified as men and 57% (43) identified as women. Among Black patients, 63% were men; among White patients, 67% were women. Patients were most likely managed by cardiologists of the same race (89%-Black, 88%-White) and same gender (91%-Man, 65%-Woman). Overall, 41% felt their cardiologist valued their thoughts regarding their CHF, similar by race and gender. White patients were more likely to bring up switching medications when unsatisfied (55% vs 33%) and consider participating in CHF clinical trials (52% vs 37%), similar by gender.
CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with CHF did not feel their cardiologist valued their thoughts. Additionally, Black patients were more hesitant to bring up treatment switching even when unsatisfied. This research suggests a lack of patient comfort in the patient-HCP relationship, further exacerbated by sociodemographic factors. These findings highlight an opportunity for improvement in patient-centered care.