Abstract 357: Effect of an Early Nurse Practitioner Based Transitional Care Program on Atrial Fibrillation Readmissions

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Redah Z Mahmood ◽  
Sherry M Bumpus ◽  
Daniel G Montgomery ◽  
Eva Kline-Rogers ◽  
James B Froehlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Discharge Diagnosis ◽  
Chart Audit ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Ed Visits

Background: BRIDGE is a nurse practitioner (NP) based transitional care program for cardiac patients(pts) discharged from a large tertiary care health system. Attendance at the BRIDGE clinic has been shown to reduce early readmission and ED visits for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) pts. Little is known about causes of readmission for atrial fibrillation (AF) pts and whether an NP based program affects overall readmissions. Methods: Retrospective data on 1188 pts was abstracted from 2008 to 2010 for pts referred to BRIDGE. Early (30 day) readmission of pts with discharge diagnosis of AF underwent qualitative chart audit by a trained MD abstractor. When examining if BRIDGE affected readmissions, we excluded pts with ED visits/readmits prior to BRIDGE. Results: Median time to BRIDGE was 16 days. Of 1010 with complete data, 148 (15%) had a discharge diagnosis of AF; 110/148 (74%) AF pts attended BRIDGE. Thirty day readmission (30DR) for AF was 23% (34/148); 17/34 (57%) were sent to the ED by a MD or nurse. Attending BRIDGE had no effect on outcomes at all time points (table 1); 17 patients were readmitted before BRIDGE. Readmission at 6 months for AF was 41% for those who attended BRIDGE, 29% for those who did not (p=0.190). Table 2 details reasons for all 30DR in AF pts. Chart review demonstrated that all 30DR were appropriate, 83% (25/30) of non-elective readmissions were unavoidable, and of 5 potentially avoidable readmissions, 2 were due to patient non-compliance. Conclusions: 30-day readmission rates are high for pts recently discharged with a diagnosis of AF and most are unavoidable. A NP based transitional care clinic successful in reducing 30 day readmissions for ACS pts did not prevent either early or late readmissions in AF pts.

The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Therapeutic Paracentesis in an Outpatient Transitional Care Program: A Case Series

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1256-1260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Wang ◽  
Shahida Khan ◽  
Paige Wyer ◽  
Jessica Vanderwilp ◽  
Justin Reynolds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Refractory Ascites ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ed Visits

Background: Patients with ascites suffer from distressing symptoms and are at high risk for readmission after hospitalization. Timely paracentesis is an important palliative tool in managing this vulnerable population. At our institution, we have developed a multidisciplinary transitional care program for patients discharged from the hospital with a wide range of complex conditions including refractory ascites. Methods: We present a case series of 10 patients with symptomatic ascites who were enrolled in our transitional care program and treated with ultrasound-guided therapeutic paracentesis in our clinic. Patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed to collect procedure details, outcomes, and follow-up data on emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions. Cost data were obtained from the hospital financial system. Results: Over the span of 9 months (September 2016 to July 2017), 22 total therapeutic paracenteses were performed on 10 unique patients in the transitional care clinic. Median age of the patient cohort was 52.5 years (range: 27-71 years). All patients reported immediate relief of ascites-related discomfort following the procedure. We did not observe any major adverse effects due to the in-clinic procedure. Nine of the 10 patients did not have any ED visits or readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The cost of performing ultrasound-guided paracentesis in the transitional care clinic was US$546.77 compared to US$978.32 when performed in the hospital. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that outpatient paracentesis may be a safe, feasible, and cost-effective means of providing symptom management for patients with ascites during their transition from hospital to home.

Abstract 339: Insights into Readmission Rates of Atrial Fibrillation Patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Vasko ◽  
Rachel Sylvester ◽  
William Froehlich ◽  
Meghana Subramanian ◽  
Alison Wiles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Bridge Program ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Care Models

Purpose and Background: Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) is an NP-driven transitional care program for cardiovascular patients. It has demonstrated lower rates of readmission for patients with acute coronary syndrome who participated, but a similar benefit was not seen for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. We sought to assess differences between AF patients who participated in the BRIDGE program and those who did not. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients referred to BRIDGE with a primary discharge diagnosis of AF was conducted (n=148). An equal number of BRIDGE attendees was randomly matched to non-attendees (n=36). Univariate techniques were used to compare groups. Results: Of 148 AF patients referred to BRIDGE, 84 (56.8%) attended BRIDGE, 36 (24.3%) saw cardiologists or PCPs for their first post-discharge follow-up, and 28 (18.9%) saw other providers or had unknown follow up. There was no significant difference in median time to follow up (12.5 days for attendees vs 9.0 days for non-attendees, p=0.503). Of the 72 patients reviewed, 17 (23.6%) were readmitted within 30 days (Table 1). Non-attendees were more likely (85.7% vs 40% p=0.134) to be readmitted with AF/related diagnoses as compared to attendees. More than half of 30-day readmissions for BRIDGE attendees were unrelated to AF (n=6, 60.0%). There was a trend toward greater incidence of comorbid CAD, HTN, CHF, or vascular disease among BRIDGE attendees, compared to non-attendees. Conclusion: Readmission patterns vary in AF patients; comorbid conditions play a role in early 30-day readmissions for AF patients despite adequate transitional care. NP-driven transitional care models, compared to traditional follow-up with a physician provider, may help identify additional issues related to comorbidities, leading to readmission. A larger sample is needed to better understand this dichotomy and to determine what measures can be taken to enhance the BRIDGE program for AF patients.

Abstract 098: The Prevalence of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in an Outpatient Transitional Care Clinic

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadijah Hussain ◽  
Colin McMahon ◽  
Rachel Krallman ◽  
Daniel Montgomery ◽  
Thane Feldeisen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Caucasian Patients ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Discharge Gap

Background: Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) is a cardiac transitional care clinic. BRIDGE has demonstrated improved patient outcomes for some populations. This study sought to determine if differences in outcomes (readmissions, ED visits, death) exist for Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients based on BRIDGE attendance and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Data on patients referred to BRIDGE from 2008-2014 were analyzed. Patients were split into two cohorts (Caucasian and non-Caucasian) and outcomes for each were independently compared by BRIDGE attendance and SES. Non-low SES was defined as income > $48,600 (200% poverty line for a family of 4) and low SES was income ≤ $48,600. Demographics and outcomes were compared between groups. Results: Of 2964 patients, 15.1% were non-Caucasian (n=448). Caucasians were significantly older than non-Caucasians (66.16±14.29 v 59.14±14.75, p<0.001), and were more likely to have primary diagnoses of acute coronary syndrome (28.2% v 23.5%, p=0.039) or atrial fibrillation (16.8% v 9.3%, p<0.001). Among Caucasian patients, BRIDGE attenders had significantly lower 30-day readmission rates (8.6% v 11.3%, p=0.038) and fewer ED visits within 6 months (1.80±1.3 v 2.10±2.0, p=0.049). Non-Caucasians, however, were more likely to have an ED visit within 6 months (40.9% v 33.7%, p=0.012; data not shown). Non-Caucasians of low SES were more likely to be readmitted within 6 months (40.5% v 29.5%, p=0.029) and less likely to attend BRIDGE (64.9% v 76.4%, p=0.016) than non-low SES non-Caucasians. There were no significant differences between non-low and low SES Caucasian patients. Among BRIDGE attenders, 6-month mortality rates were significantly lower for both groups (Caucasian: 5.2% v 10.8%, p<0.001; non -Caucasian: 4.3% v 10.7%, p=0.013). Conclusions: BRIDGE attendance was associated with improved outcomes in Caucasians that were not seen in non-Caucasians, with the exception of reduced mortality. Also, SES appears to impact non-Caucasians more than Caucasians, with low SES non-Caucasians having higher readmission rates and lower BRIDGE attendance than non-low SES non-Caucasians. Differences seen may be biased due to unevenly distributed groups (i.e. age and diagnosis). Efforts to target these vulnerable populations are warranted to reduce disparities.

scholarly journals Insights into hospital readmission patterns of atrial fibrillation patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-550
Author(s):  
Sherry Bumpus ◽  
Rachel Krallman ◽  
Colin McMahon ◽  
Ashwin Gupta ◽  
Daniel Montgomery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Index Hospitalization ◽  
Related Case ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Discharge Gap

Introduction: Patients admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation have associated morbidity and mortality and incur significant costs. Data characterizing atrial fibrillation patients at high risk for readmission are scarce. We sought to inform this area by characterizing and categorizing unplanned readmissions of atrial fibrillation patients. Methods: Retrospective data were abstracted from the charts of patients discharged from 2008 to 2012 after an index hospitalization for atrial fibrillation and referred to the nurse practitioner-led transitional care program, Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively. Unplanned readmissions were dichotomized as early (⩽30 days) or late (31–180 days) and further classified as either “atrial fibrillation/atrial fibrillation-related” (AF/AF-related), “Cardiac; not AF/AF-related,” or “Not cardiac-related.” Case classifications were adjudicated by a senior cardiologist. Patient demographics and readmission characteristics were then compared. Results: Of 255 patients, 97 (38.0%) had unplanned readmissions within 180 days of discharge; 45 (46.4%) were early and 52 (53.6%) were late. Atrial fibrillation and cardiac causes accounted for 68.9% ( n=31) of early readmissions and 65.4% ( n=34) of late. Patients with late readmissions were more likely to have diabetes (32.7% vs. 17.7%, p=.022) and higher CHA2DS2VASc scores (3.63 vs. 2.98, p=0.026) than those not readmitted. No other differences in baseline characteristics were seen within or between groups. The 30-day all-cause readmission rate in this sample was 17.6% ( n=45). Conclusion: Readmissions following hospital discharge for atrial fibrillation are common; approximately 50% of these readmissions are for reasons unrelated to atrial fibrillation. In order to reduce atrial fibrillation-related readmissions, further research is needed to characterize predictors of readmission and to develop effective transitional care interventions.

Abstract 256: Readmission Avoidability in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Souphis ◽  
Rachel Sylvester ◽  
Alison Wiles ◽  
Meghana Subramanian ◽  
William Froehlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
History Of ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Avoidable Readmission ◽  
Cancer Complications ◽  
Avoidable Readmissions

Background: Readmissions for ACS are common, costly, and potentially preventable. According to Medicare 13.4% of AMI admissions were followed by a rehospitalization within 15 days. A 2007 MedPAC report declared 76% of 30-day readmissions preventable. These rates are used as quality indicators despite lack of consensus on the definition of avoidable and unavoidable readmissions. We sought to define these terms and to analyze the effect of these definitions on 30-day outcomes. Methods: BRIDGE (Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively) is an NP-led transitional care program for cardiac patients within 14 days of discharge. Retrospective data were abstracted on ACS patients readmitted before their appointments between 2008-2010. All readmissions were characterized as avoidable or unavoidable. Definitions were developed from the literature and in concert with senior cardiologists. Avoidable readmission was defined as being the result of a patient or provider issue that if managed may have prevented the admission. Unavoidable readmissions were defined as a patient in need of acute care. Avoidability status was further divided as related or unrelated to the index diagnosis. Results: Of 1188 BRIDGE referrals 304 (25.6%) experienced ACS events. In comparison to the total ACS population, patients readmitted before their BRIDGE clinic appointment (BC) (n=21, 6.9%) tended to be older, female, and were less likely to have a history of a cath or AMI (Table 1). In this study, 81% (n=17) of early readmissions were deemed unavoidable and most (n=14, 66.7%) were attributed to non-ACS issues or disease progression. These unavoidable readmissions included patients with cancer complications, chest pain, or other non-related diagnoses. Only 19% (n=4) of the readmissions were declared avoidable as a result of patient lack of adherence or provider issues such as adverse drug effects. Conclusion: The majority of early (before BC) readmissions following an index hospitalization for ACS patients referred to BRIDGE were unavoidable and unrelated to ACS. A clear discrepancy is seen between the 76% preventable readmissions in the MedPAC report and the 19% preventable readmissions in this study. Distinctions between unavoidable and avoidable readmissions should inform the utility of 30-day readmission rates as quality metrics.

Abstract 097: Effects of BRIDGE Attendance on the Outcomes of Diabetic Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Fette ◽  
Rachel Krallman ◽  
Colin McMahon ◽  
Daniel Montgomery ◽  
Jennifer Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Discharge Outcomes

Background: Prior studies have shown that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. BRIdging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) is a nurse practitioner-delivered cardiac transitional care program for patients who have been recently discharged following a cardiac event. Previous research has shown BRIDGE to be effective in improving patient outcomes. This study sought to describe differences in outcomes 1) of heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with and without concomitant DM, and 2) between diabetic patients who did and did not attend BRIDGE. Methods: Retrospective data were abstracted for HF, ACS, and AF patients from 2008-2014. Patients were divided into cohorts based on presence or absence of DM and BRIDGE attendance versus non-attendance. Outcomes (readmissions, ED visits, death) within each primary diagnosis (HF, ACS, AF) were compared between DM and non-DM patients and between those who attended BRIDGE versus those who did not for all DM patients. Results: Of 2197 patients referred to BRIDGE, 723 (32.9%) had concomitant DM. DM patients had similar outcomes to non-DM patients for most post-discharge outcomes; however, DM ACS patients had higher readmission (42.2% v 29.6%, p<0.001) and death (10.5% v. 4.5%, p=0.001) rates within 6 months, and DM AF patients had higher readmission rates within 6 months (52.1% v 37.9%, p=0.006). HF patients with DM who attended BRIDGE had lower mortality rates within 6 months of discharge than those who did not (10.3% vs. 22.1%, p=0.014). No other significant differences in outcomes were seen between BRIDGE attendees and non-attendees. Conclusions: Though not significant, patients with DM had worse post-discharge outcomes than those without DM for all primary diagnoses. In the subset of DM patients, the 30-day readmission rate for ACS patients who attended BRIDGE was half of those who did not attend. Conversely, 30-day readmission rates for HF patients were greater if they attended. This may in part explain the significantly lower mortality rate among BRIDGE attenders with HF, where patients who needed readmission were identified during their BRIDGE appointment. Due to the high prevalence of DM, efforts to tailor transitional care for this population are needed.

The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Therapeutic Thoracentesis in an Outpatient Transitional Care Program: A Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 927-931
Author(s):  
Nicole Segaline ◽  
Jeffrey Wang ◽  
Bruce Bethancourt ◽  
Ken S. Ota
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Cost Comparison ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Procedural Complications

Background: Symptomatic pleural effusions create discomfort and are a frequent cause of hospitalization. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis is a key palliative intervention to assist in the management of this vulnerable population. Our institution has created a multidisciplinary transitional care program to address the needs of those discharged from the hospital with chronic complex conditions, including symptomatic pleural effusions. Methods: This case series was performed in a transitional care clinic between May 8, 2017, and December 11, 2018. Eight unique patients with symptomatic pleural effusions were referred to our clinic posthospital discharge and treated with ultrasound-guided thoracentesis. A retrospective review was performed to assess procedure details, complications, and follow-up emergency department visits or hospital readmissions. Additionally, cost comparison data were obtained from the hospital financial system. Results: Of the 8 unique patients, 15 thoracenteses were performed over the 19-month period in the transitional care clinic. The median age of the cohort was 56 years old (range: 39-92 years). All patients reported an immediate relief of symptoms (dyspnea and/ or pain) and no procedural complications. The total cost of performing an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in the transitional care clinic was 61.8% that of performing the procedure in the hospital (US$537.61 vs US$869.65). Conclusion: All 8 patients experienced an immediate relief in pleural effusion-related symptoms following thoracentesis. Our experience helps reveal the safety, efficacy, and cost-efficiency of ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in providing symptom management for patients with pleural effusions in a transitional care clinic.

Abstract 304: Characteristics of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Referred to the Bridge Transitional Care Clinic By Time to Readmission

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Cholack ◽  
Joshua Garfein ◽  
Rachel H Krallman ◽  
Delaney Feldeisen ◽  
Daniel G Montgomery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Early Readmission

Introduction: Prompt follow-up post-discharge is recommended by many readmission reduction initiatives. Identifying predictors of early readmission may inform discharge planning. We compared characteristics of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (pts) based on time to readmission to determine factors associated with early readmission. Methods: Pts referred to the BRIDGE transitional care clinic following index admission for ACS from 2008-2017 were eligible. Demographics and inpatient clinical characteristics were compared between pts readmitted early (0-7 days post-discharge) versus late (8-30 days post-discharge). Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify independent predictors of early readmission. Results: Of 1220 ACS pts, 198 were readmitted within 30 days; 70 (35.4%) were readmitted early, and 10.0% of these were readmitted for ACS. Early readmissions were more likely to be female, have an ED visit prior to readmission, and have an index ICU admission. Female sex [OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.16] and ICU admission [OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.24] were both independent predictors of early readmission. Conclusion: Female sex and ICU admission during index were associated with roughly twice the odds of early readmission. Non-white pts were also more often readmitted early (p=0.05), suggesting potential care disparities in this population. Future studies to identify pts at increased risk of early readmission and efforts to reduce disparities are warranted.

scholarly journals Clinical Profile and One Year Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation- A Prospective Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Satheesan ◽  
Veena Felix ◽  
Alummoottil George Koshy
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Good Control ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and imposes a great burden on health care resources. There is limited data regarding the impact of AF in our population. Aim: To estimate the mortality and Major adverse Cardiovascular events {(MACE)- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Stroke, Cardiac death} in AF patients in a tertiary care centre in South India. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included all patients >18 years with newly diagnosed or previously documented evidence of AF in Electrocardiography (ECG). Transient reversible causes and critically ill patients were excluded. Total of 346 patients were recruited and prospectively, followed-up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months for development of MACE, anticoagulation status, Prothrombin Time (PT), International Normalised Ratio (INR) and major bleeding events. Baseline data including clinical parameters, comorbidities and appropriate investigations such as ECG and Echocardiogram (ECHO) parameters were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed at one year using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Average age was 60.5 years (SD 11.5 years) and majority (74.6%) were between 50-75 years. Females were more (59.5% vs 40.5%). Most common AF risk factor was Hypertension (44.5%) followed by Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in 27.2% of AF patients. AF was classified as permanent in 42.2%, persistent in 23.1% and paroxysmal in 34.7%. Valvular AF was present in 26.6% and non-valvular AF in 73.4%. At one year, 17 patients were lost to follow-up. CHA2DS2VASc score of ≥2 was present in 65.1%. During one year follow-up the MACE rate was 26.7% (ischemic stroke in 9.4%, ACS in 2.7% and cardiac mortality in 14.6 %). Mean time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) was 28.12%. TTR >60% (good control) was present in only 9.2%. Conclusion: AF continues to be a significant arrhythmia causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Non-valvular AF was thrice as common as valvular AF. Though 3/4th of the patients were on oral anticoagulants, <10% had their INR under good control which contributed to the higher events. To improve the outcomes in AF patients, treatment of risk factors and optimal anticoagulation plays a crucial role.

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