Table 1

Essential features of the rapid access heart failure clinic. Patients are referred using a dedicated referral form and subject to capacity patients with chronic heart failure can also be seen within the clinic

*BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) is measured as part of a research initiative as described in the text.
One stop fast track heart failure clinic for referrals from primary care

  • nurse specialist/consultant cardiologist

  • echocardiography

  • brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)*

  • diagnosis: clear treatment strategy and referral back to the community at an early stage