Integrated palliative care support throughout patient journey

When patients face the potential need for a left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, Inova integrates palliative care as part of our collaborative, multidisciplinary team to ensure patients’ concerns around symptoms and goals for their care are understood by the care team.

At the onset of every patient’s journey with advanced heart failure, the patient undergoes a comprehensive, day-long evaluation to engage with specialists from cardiovascular surgery, nutrition, pharmacy, education, social work, finance and palliative care to learn about the upcoming potential course of treatment. The palliative care physician joins each patient during this initial assessment to help the individual process information in nonmedical terms, discuss concerns and better understand the road ahead. They assist the patient in identifying what matters most and help the patient make complex medical decisions that guide the care team in developing a treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s values and preferences. This comprehensive support continues throughout each patient’s treatment at Inova to address the impact of advanced heart disease symptoms, treatment and medications on daily life.

“I bring not only a medical perspective to the table but also a broader social, emotional and spiritual viewpoint,” said Justin Van Klein, MD, Inova’s palliative cardiovascular care physician. “I also try to be a voice for patients when they aren’t at the table to guide clinical decisions and advocate for a course of treatment that meets their stated goals.”

Palliative care is a key component of Inova’s commitment to patient-centered care, particularly for patients with advanced heart disease, who often experience years of life-changing therapy.

Learn more about Inova’s palliative care services.