The National Quality Forum (NQF) recently made a key decision to move forward with the recommendation for trial-use approval of measure #2764 – a Fixed-Dose Combination of Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate Therapy for Self-Identified Black or African American Patients with Heart Failure (HF) and LVEF <40% on ACEI or ARB and Beta-Blocker Therapy. With approval of this measure for trial-use, the NQF has demonstrated its openness to recognizing the current standard of care for African Americans with HF, and the impact that this therapy can have on thousands of patients across the country
Published studies have suggested that more than half a million African Americans are living with HF, of whom over 150,000 should be prescribed a fixed-dose drug regimen as described in the recommended measure. Such a treatment regimen has been proven to reduce mortality in blacks by 43% and first-time hospitalizations by 39%. In the absence of widespread adoption of this measure, however, and despite those startling numbers, only about 7% of patients clinically eligible for the therapy actually receive it.
Over the summer, trials will run at three select medical centers to test the ability of providers to identify eligible patients for treatment using electronic health records. If these tests prove successful, the NQF may next consider the proposed quality measure for final endorsement.
The NQF’s consideration of the treatment regimen drew an outpouring of support from patient groups, minority health advocates, and dedicated health professionals. Nearly 40 formal comments were received by the NQF endorsing the measure, far exceeding the level of support for any other measure under consideration. Organizations supporting the measure included (among others) the National Minority Quality Forum, the Association of Black Cardiologists, the Heart Failure Society of America, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Black Fitness Today, the American Kidney Fund, the Healthcare Leadership Council. Supporters also included leading cardiologists at Morehouse, Yale, Howard, the University of Maryland, Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as leading hospitals such as Massachusetts General Hospital and St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital. A list including statements of support from many of these leading organizations is available here.
Over the summer, trials will run at three select medical centers to test the ability of providers to identify eligible patients for treatment using electronic health records. If these tests prove successful, the NQF may next consider the proposed quality measure for final endorsement.
The NQF’s consideration of the treatment regimen drew an outpouring of support from patient groups, minority health advocates, and dedicated health professionals. Nearly 40 formal comments were received by the NQF endorsing the measure, far exceeding the level of support for any other measure under consideration. Organizations supporting the measure included (among others) the National Minority Quality Forum, the Association of Black Cardiologists, the Heart Failure Society of America, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Black Fitness Today, the American Kidney Fund, the Healthcare Leadership Council. Supporters also included leading cardiologists at Morehouse, Yale, Howard, the University of Maryland, Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as leading hospitals such as Massachusetts General Hospital and St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital. A list including statements of support from many of these leading organizations is available here.
| nqf_cardio_2015_2016_final_report__2_.pdf |
