The prevalence of heart failure is increasing
and the rates of hospitalisation, especially
among the elderly, constitute a problem for
health care providers.1 2 Heart failure is the
most common cause of hospitalisation due to
cardiovascular disease in patients more than 65
years of age and is associated with frequent
readmission, often within 30 days.3 4 Up to
40% of readmissions, often resulting from
inadequate patient information and noncompliance,
may be avoidable.5–7 Heart failure
accounts for as much as 1% of all health care
costs.8 Therefore, there is a need for alternative