An Ethical Call for Early Implementation of Palliative Care for Underserved Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Heart failure is a disease that affects millions of Americans, but has a disproportionate impact on underserved, minority communities. Over the coming decade, heart failure will become a chronic disease for more Americans as treatments improve, but the disease cannot be cured. Minority populations are, and will continue to be, disproportionately impacted by heart failure due in large part to their increased risk factors, which stem from social and structural determinants of health. Palliative care services offer incredible benefits for patients and caregivers covering a variety of areas, such as goals of care discussions, shared decision-making, and psychosocial support. Providing early palliative care services to underserved heart failure patients offers extra resources to effectively manage their disease and lifestyle in a personalized fashion, and aligns with the urban bioethical principles of agency, social justice, and solidarity.