Effect of a training program for primary care physicians on the optimization of beta-blocker treatment in elderly patients with heart failure.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Underuse of betablockers may contribute to elevated mortality in chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine whether a specific interventional training program for primary care physicians would help optimize the use of beta-blockers in elderly chronic heart failure patients. METHODS This randomized comparative study included 627 patients aged 70 years or more who were discharged consecutively from 53 Spanish hospitals with a principal diagnosis of chronic heart failure. In total, 292 health-care centers in the catchment areas of these hospitals were randomly assigned to two groups: one group of 146 centers carried out an interventional training program on beta-blocker use for primary care physicians belonging to the centers assigned to training, and 146 centers served as a control group. The main outcome variable was the percentage of patients who were receiving a beta-blocker at the maximum or maximum tolerated dose 3 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS The patients' mean age was 78+/-5 years and 42% were women. There was no difference between the groups in demographic characteristics, clinical care, or treatment at discharge. The percentage of patients who received beta-blockers at the maximum tolerated dose 3 months after discharge was greater in the training group (49% vs. 38%; P=.014). Being treated in the training group was an independent predictor of receiving a beta-blocker at the MTD (odds ratio=2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-4.69; P< .001). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of an interventional training program on beta-blocker treatment for primary care physicians improved the use of these medications in elderly chronic heart failure patients.