The Heart Failure Patient Foundation Position Statement on Research and Patient Involvement

Abstract

Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a growing global public health problem affecting approximately 64 million people worldwide.

Objectives: The Heart Failure Patient Foundation developed a position statement to advocate for adult patients with HF to be an active participant in research and for HF leaders to integrate patients throughout the research process.

Methods: A review of the literature and best practices was conducted. Based on the evidence, the HF Patient Foundation made recommendations regarding the inclusion of adult patients with HF throughout the research process.

Results: Healthcare clinicians, researchers and funding agencies have a role to ensure rigorous quality research is performed and implemented into practice. Inclusion of adult patients with HF throughout the research process can improve the lives of patients and families while advancing HF science.

Conclusions: The HF Patient Foundation strongly advocates that patients with HF be involved in research from inception of the project through dissemination of findings to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Heart failure; Patients; Research; Research Roles.