2026 Eastern States Conference

Authors:

Lacey Blauser, PharmD
Benjamin Heikkinen, PharmD, BCIDP
Devaney Taylor, PharmD
Keturah DelGrosso, PharmD, BCPS
Jennifer Heikkinen, PharmD, BCACP
Catherine Haupt, PharmD, BCACP

Learning Objective:


Identify potential barriers to iron deficiency screening for patients newly diagnosed with heart failure by cardiology providers.



Self-Assessment Question:


True or False: A patient newly diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction should be screened for iron deficiency.


Background:


The purpose of this study is to identify current practices and barriers to iron deficiency screening completion for newly diagnosed heart failure patients by cardiology providers and Medication Therapy Disease Management (MTDM) pharmacists.


Methods:


This cross-sectional study was conducted via anonymous Microsoft Forms survey and dispersed via email to cardiology providers and MTDM anemia and cardiology pharmacists between February 24, 2026, and March 20, 2026. The survey consisted of various question types (select all that apply, multiple choice, etc.) aimed to assess current understanding of guideline recommendations, current practices by the individual, perceived barriers impacting screening rates, and potential benefit of various interventions targeted at increasing iron deficiency screening rates for heart failure patients systemwide. Data collected from the survey was utilized in an aggregate manner to minimize the risk of answers being identifiable and then analyzed using Excel functions.


Results:


The survey was sent to a total of 133 individuals with completion by 17 unique participants (13.5%). Among survey respondents, there were discrepancies with baseline knowledge of guideline recommendations. Potential misconceptions identified include additional criteria needed for screening, such as baseline anemia or left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%. In practice, the most prevalent reason for not screening at initial visit was the completion of recent lab work; however, the definition of recent varied between providers. The largest perceived barrier to screening was unfamiliarity with guideline recommendations. Respondents identified provider education and creation of a lab order bundle as most impactful interventions.


Conclusions:

Survey results suggest unfamiliarity with guideline recommendations may be significantly impacting iron deficiency screening completion rates. Next steps include targeted interventions including provider education and lab order bundles for implementation within the health system.