The Three Rs for Preventing Heart Failure Readmission: Review, Reassess, and Reeducate

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine J. Ryan ◽  
Rebecca (Schuetz) Bierle ◽  
Karen M. Vuckovic

Despite improvements in heart failure therapies, hospitalization readmission rates remain high. Nationally, increasing attention has been directed toward reducing readmission rates and thus identifying patients with the highest risk for readmission. This article summarizes the evidence related to decreasing readmission for patients with heart failure within 30 days after discharge, focusing on the acute setting. Each patient requires an individualized plan for successful transition from hospital to home and preventing readmission. Nurses must review the patient’s current plan of care and adherence to it and look for clues to failure of the plan that could lead to readmission to the hospital. In addition, nurses must reassess the current plan with the patient and family to ensure that the plan continues to meet the patient’s needs. Finally, nurses must continually reeducate patients about their plan of care, their plan for self-management, and strategies to prevent hospital readmission for heart failure.

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 518-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obiora Egbuche ◽  
Ifunanya Ekechukwu ◽  
Valery Effoe ◽  
Nnamdi Maduabum ◽  
Heather R. Millard ◽  
...  

Background: β-Blockers are first-line agents for reduction in symptoms, hospitalization, and mortality in patients with heart failure having reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the safety and efficacy of continuous β-blocker therapy (BBT) in patients who actively use cocaine remain controversial, and available literature is limited. We aimed to evaluate the effect of BBT on hospital readmission and mortality in patients having HFrEF with concurrent cocaine use. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with a diagnosis of HFrEF between 2011 and 2014 based on International Classification of Diseases 9-Clinical Modification codes. We included patients aged 18 and older who tested positive for cocaine on a urine toxicology test obtained at the time of index admission. Patients were followed for 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of BBT on the 30-day, all-cause and heart failure–related readmissions. Results: The 30-day readmission rates for BBT versus no BBT groups were 20% versus 41% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05-0.56, P = .004) for heart failure-related readmissions and 25% versus 46% (OR: 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06-0.64, P = .007) for all-cause readmissions. Conclusion: The BBT reduced 30-day, all-cause and heart failure–related readmission rate but not 1-year mortality in patients having HFrEF with concurrent cocaine use.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. e65-e73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Howie-Esquivel ◽  
Joan Gygax Spicer

Background Sociodemographic variables that are predictors of rehospitalization for heart failure may better inform hospital discharge strategies. Objectives (1) To determine whether sociodemographic variables are predictors of hospital readmission, (2) to determine whether sociodemographic or laboratory variables differ by age group as predictors of readmission, and (3) to compare whether patients’ discharge disposition differs by age group in predicting readmission. Methods Retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with heart failure admitted in 2007. Results Mean age was 68 (SD, 17) years for the 809 patients, with slightly more than one-third (n = 311, 38%) reporting a legal partner. Fewer than half (n = 359, 44%) were white. Almost one-third (n = 261, 32%) were rehospitalized within 90 days. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients younger than 65 years old and not partnered were at 1.8 times greater risk for being readmitted 90 days after discharge (P = .02; 95% CI, 0.33–0.92). Patients who were 65 years and older and not partnered were at 2.2 times greater risk for readmission (P = .01; 95% CI, 0.25–0.85) after creatinine level and discharge disposition were controlled for. For older patients discharged to home or to home with home services, the risk of readmission was 2.6 times greater than that for patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility (P = .02; 95% CI, 1.20–5.56). Conclusions The absence of a partner was predictive of readmission in all patients. Older patients with heart failure who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility had lower readmission rates. The effect of partner and disposition status may suggest a proxy for social support. Strategies to provide social support during discharge planning may have an effect on hospital readmission rates.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda Brown ◽  
Twonia Goyer ◽  
Maragaret Harvey

30 Day Hospital Readmission Rates, Frequencies, and Heart Failure Classification for Patients with Heart Failure Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide among patients. Both the incidence and the prevalence of heart failure are age dependent and are relatively common in individuals 40 years of age and older. CHF is one of the leading causes of inpatient hospitalization readmission in the United States, with readmission rates remaining above the 20% goal within 30 days. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services imposes a 3% reimbursement penalty for excessive readmissions including those who are readmitted within 30 days from prior hospitalization for heart failure. Hospitals risk losing millions of dollars due to poor performance. A reduction in CHF readmission rates not only improves healthcare system expenditures, but also patients’ mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. Purpose The purpose of this DNP project is to determine the 30-day hospital readmission rates, frequencies, and heart failure classification for patients with heart failure. Specific aims include comparing computed annual re-admission rates with national average, determine the number of multiple 30-day re-admissions, provide descriptive data for demographic variables, and correlate age and heart failure classification with the number of multiple re-admissions. Methods A retrospective chart review was used to collect hospital admission and study data. The setting occurred in an urban hospital in Memphis, TN. The study was reviewed by the UTHSC Internal Review Board and deemed exempt. The electronic medical records were queried from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 for heart failure ICD-10 codes beginning with the prefix 150 and a report was generated. Data was cleaned such that each patient admitted had only one heart failure ICD-10 code. The total number of heart failure admissions was computed and compared to national average. Using age ranges 40-80, the number of patients re-admitted withing 30 days was computed and descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using Microsoft Excel and R. Results A total of 3524 patients were admitted for heart failure within the six-month time frame. Of those, 297 were re-admitted within 30 days for heart failure exacerbation (8.39%). An annual estimate was computed (16.86%), well below the national average (21%). Of those re-admitted within 30 days, 50 were re-admitted on multiple occasions sequentially, ranging from 2-8 re-admissions. The median age was 60 and 60% male. Due to the skewed distribution (most re-admitted twice), nonparametric statistics were used for correlation. While graphic display of charts suggested a trend for most multiple re-admissions due to diastolic dysfunction and least number due to systolic heart failure, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and number or multiple re-admissions (Spearman rank, p = 0.6208) or number of multiple re-admissions and heart failure classification (Kruskal Wallis, p =0.2553).


2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian A. Scott

Background.Unplanned readmissions of recently discharged patients impose a significant burden on hospitals with limited bed capacity. Deficiencies in discharge processes contribute to such readmissions, which have prompted experimentation with multiple types of peridischarge interventions. Objective.To determine the relative efficacy of peridischarge interventions categorised into two groups: (1) single component interventions (sole or predominant) implemented either before or after discharge; and (2) integrated multicomponent interventions which have pre- and postdischarge elements. Design.Systematic metareview of controlled trials. Data collection.Search of four electronic databases for controlled trials or systematic reviews of trials published between January 1990 and April 2009 that reported effects on readmissions. Data synthesis.Among single-component interventions, only four (intense self-management and transition coaching of high-risk patients and nurse home visits and telephone support of patients with heart failure) were effective in reducing readmissions. Multicomponent interventions that featured early assessment of discharge needs, enhanced patient (and caregiver) education and counselling, and early postdischarge follow-up of high-risk patients were associated with evidence of benefit, especially in populations of older patients and those with heart failure. Conclusion.Peridischarge interventions are highly heterogenous and reported outcomes show considerable variation. However, multicomponent interventions targeted at high-risk populations that include pre- and postdischarge elements seem to be more effective in reducing readmissions than most single-component interventions, which do not span the hospital–community interface. What is known about this topic?Unplanned readmissions within 30 days of hospital discharge are common and may reflect deficiencies in discharge processes. Various peridischarge interventions have been evaluated, mostly single-component interventions that occur either before or after discharge, but failing to yield consistent evidence of benefit in reducing readmissions. More recent trials have assessed multicomponent interventions which involve pre- and postdischarge periods, but no formal review of such studies has been undertaken. What does this paper add?With the exception of intense self-management and transition coaching of high-risk patients, and nurse home visits and telephonic support for patients with heart failure, single-component interventions were ineffective in reducing readmissions. Multicomponent interventions demonstrated evidence of benefit in reducing readmissions by as much as 28%, with best results achieved in populations of older patients and those with heart failure. What are the implications for practitioners and managers?Hospital clinicians and managers should critically review and, where appropriate, modify their current discharge processes in accordance with these findings and negotiate the extra funding and personnel required to allow successful implementation of multicomponent discharge processes that transcend organisational boundaries.


2021 ◽  
pp. 104365962110239
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Jin ◽  
Youqing Peng

Introduction: Self-management is essential for treating heart failure (HF). Culture influences the ability to cope, negotiate, and adopt self-management behaviors. However, current HF self-management interventions for Chinese patients do not take culture into consideration. The aim of this article is to describe the development of a situation-specific nurse-led culturally tailored self-management theory for Chinese patients with HF. Methodology: An integrative approach was used as theory development strategy for the situation-specific theory. Results: Based on theoretical and empirical evidence, and theorists’ experiences from research and practice, a nurse-led culturally tailored self-management theory for Chinese patients with HF was developed. Discussion: Researchers addressing health phenomena often have difficulty defining, conceptualizing, and operationalizing culture. The situation-specific theory developed in this study has the potential to increase specificity (i.e., logical adequacy and usefulness) of existing theories while informing the application to nursing practice. Further critique and testing of the situation-specific theory is warranted.


Author(s):  
Melissa R Riester ◽  
Laura McAuliffe ◽  
Christine Collins ◽  
Andrew R Zullo

Abstract Purpose Pharmacists are well positioned to provide transitions of care (TOC) services to patients with heart failure (HF); however, hospitalizations for patients with HF likely exceed the capacity of a TOC pharmacist. We developed and validated a tool to help pharmacists efficiently identify high-risk patients with HF and maximize their potential impact by intervening on patients at the highest risk for 30-day all-cause readmission. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adults with HF admitted to a health system between October 1, 2016, and October 31, 2019. We randomly divided the cohort into development (n = 2,114) and validation (n = 1,089) subcohorts. Nine models were applied to select the most important predictors of 30-day readmission. The final tool, called the Tool for Pharmacists to Predict 30-day hospital readmission in patients with Heart Failure (ToPP-HF) relied upon multivariable logistic regression. We assessed discriminative ability using the C statistic and calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results The risk of 30-day all-cause readmission was 15.7% (n = 331) and 18.8% (n = 205) in the development and validation subcohorts, respectively. The ToPP-HF tool included 13 variables: number of hospital admissions in previous 6 months; admission diagnosis of HF; number of scheduled medications; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis; number of comorbidities; estimated glomerular filtration rate; hospital length of stay; left ventricular ejection fraction; critical care requirement; renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor use; antiarrhythmic use; hypokalemia; and serum sodium. Discriminatory performance (C statistic of 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.73) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P = 0.28) were good. Conclusions The ToPP-HF performs well and can help pharmacists identify high-risk patients with HF most likely to benefit from TOC services.


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