ورقة علمية / Research Paper

Problem Statement Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidence-based guidelines, such as those by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), have significantly improved outcomes when implemented. However, in low-resource settings like Sudan, adherence to these guidelines is often suboptimal due to limited awareness, diagnostic challenges, and drug shortages. There is currently no data on physicians’ adherence to HF management guidelines in Dongola Specialized Hospital. Justification Assessing adherence to HF management guidelines is essential to identify gaps in clinical practice and improve the quality of patient care. This study will provide baseline information that can guide targeted educational programs and policy interventions to enhance evidence-based management. General Objective To assess adherence to heart failure management guidelines among physicians at Dongola Specialized Hospital. Specific Objectives 1. To determine the level of adherence to guideline-recommended pharmacological therapy for heart failure. 2. To assess adherence to non-pharmacological and follow-up recommendations. 3. To identify factors associated with poor adherence among physicians. Methodology • Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. • Study Area: Dongola Specialized Hospital, Northern State, Sudan. • Study Population: Physicians involved in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients. • Sample Size: All eligible physicians in the medical and cardiology departments. • Data Collection: Structured self-administered questionnaire based on ESC guidelines and patient record review checklist. • Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests will be applied.

All data will be strictly anonymized by removing the names of both physicians and patients, using unique codes to ensure privacy. Written informed consent will be obtained, and all collected information will remain completely confidential and used only for research purposes.

The study will identify gaps between current practices and international heart failure guidelines, leading to improved treatment standards at Dongola Specialized Hospital.