Projects of the Competence Network Heart Failure

In Germany there are several internationally renowned research and work groups in the field of heart failure. However, major deficits in German research include insufficient collaboration of the work groups among each other as well as the lack of coordination of the research projects. In order to assert and maintain an outstanding reputation in the international research community in the future as well, carrying out primarily large-scale clinical and genetic studies of top quality is required.

The integration of research results in the care of patients with heart failure likewise leaves much to be desired. The still inadequate implementation of the guidelines as practical, specific instructions for care makes action in hospitals and private practice considerably more difficult. It is therefore urgently necessary to take action at the interface of clinical research and health care. Increasing efficiency and effectiveness in research on heart failure is one of the objectives of the Heart Failure Competence Network. Numerous projects are carried out and sponsored by the competence network for this purpose. These include

• infrastructure projects,
  
• research projects and
  
• associated projects.
  

In contrast to the infrastructure and research projects, the associated projects are tied to the competence network, but they receive no financial support from it.