Summary

Practice guidelines have become a major part of the clinical landscape and seem likely to become more rather than less pervasive. Some may perceive guidelines as another mechanism for process management or as another instrument for cost control. But there is a more patient-centered rationale for their development, especially for a common, potentially debilitating, and often fatal syndrome such as HF. Despite advances in clinical trial methodology and the extensive use of studies to evaluate therapeutics and the care process, essential elements of the management process remain undefined for many clinical problems. HF is no exception. Traditionally, management guidelines were determined on an ad hoc basis by physicians and other health care providers in the field. The development and utilization of practice guidelines has emerged as an alternative strategy. The methodology of guideline development needs improvement, but when these documents are properly conceived and formulated, their importance to patient care seems evident. This HFSA guideline on HF is designed as a "living document," which will continue to serve as a resource for helping patients with HF.