ISBN: 978-1-4731-3093-7 9.4.5 Evidence statements Qualitative See the narrative summaries of review findings in section 9.4.3.3.1. Economic No relevant economic evaluations were identified. 9.4.6 Recommendations and link to evidence Recommendations When giving information to people with heart failure, follow the recommendations in the NICE guideline on patient experience in adult NHS Discuss the person's prognosis in a sensitive, open and honest manner. Be frank about the uncertainty in predicting the course of their heart failure. Revisit this discussion as the person's condition evolves. [2018] Provide information whenever needed throughout the person s care. Consider training in advanced communication skills for all healthcare professionals working with people who have heart failure. [2018] First consultations for people newly diagnosed with heart failure The specialist heart failure MDT should offer people newly diagnosed with heart failure an extended first consultation, followed by a second consultation, to take place within 2 weeks if possible. At each consultation: discuss the person s diagnosis and prognosis explain heart failure terminology discuss treatments address the risk of sudden death, including any misconceptions about that risk encourage the person and their family or carers to ask any questions they have. [2018] Findings identified in the evidence synthesis The evidence from the review was grouped into four findings, each of which contained multiple sub-findings. These key findings are summarised below. Diagnosis of heart failure: the evidence suggested that clinicians find the diagnosis itself and the ensuing communication around diagnosis challenging. The timing of and setting in which the diagnosis is communicated is important, taking care to avoid busy environments that do not foster the sensitive relay of information. The diagnosis itself was seen as a gradual process allowing the information and guidance around diagnosis to be passed on to patients in a manageable way. 