Abstract:

Objective To investigate the knowledge depth and breadth of understanding the chronic heart failure in general practitioners in Shanghai community healthcare center, analyze the influencing factors, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of heart failure in the future. Methods Based on the“Guidelines for Primary Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure (2019)”, a questionnaire was designed, and it covered the definition and epidemiology of heart failure, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, drug therapy, and non-drug management. The questionnaire was conducted on general practitioners working in 10 community health service centers in Shanghai from May to June 2021, the demographic characteristics of the study subjects was collected, the knowledge depth and breadth of understanding chronic heart failure was investigated, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results The average score of 136 primary doctors on the knowledge test of heart failure was (63.5±11.2) points, and the pass rate was 52.2%(71/136); in which, the correct rate of understanding the heart failure of preserved ejection fraction, the use of three new anti-heart failure drugs, the vulnerable period of heart failure and the management of water and sodium were less than 50 percent， while the remaining parts was greater than 50.0%. Consulting with a cardiologist, participating the heart failure-related training in past 2 years, and studying the“Guidelines” were independent influencing factors(P<0.05). Conclusions This study showed that the general practitioners in Shanghai overall have a good understanding of chronic heart failure knowledge, but they still need to improve understanding of heart failure of preserved ejection fraction, the use of new anti-heart failure drugs, and the comprehensive management of heart failure patients.

Key words: Chronic heart failure, General practitioner, Questionnaire investigation