Heart Failure Virtual Ward Research Study

The main aim will be to evaluate whether a follow-up with virtual wards reduces HF hospitalisation at three months follow-up. Hospital admission will be defined as any hospital admission, or an emergency room stay of more than 24 h requiring IV diuretics.

The secondary objectives will be to evaluate whether this intervention reduces all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalisation at three months, is cost-effectiveness, is associated with a higher percentage of prescription and dose of prognostic medication and improves the quality of life. To assess the potential long-term effects of the virtual wards follow-up, we will evaluate whether this intervention reduces all-cause mortality and HF hospitalisation at 6- and 12-months by a telephone call/virtual outpatients' appointment.

The study outcomes will be ascertained at each visit. Given the study design, it is impossible to assess the endpoints in a blinded manner. Clinical events during the study will be adjudicated by an operational committee whose members will be unaware of the group assignment.