Chf Readmission Rates

A Systematic Review

On

CHF Education and its effect on Hospital Readmission Rates

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Abstract: We sought to determine whether CHF education decreases hospital readmission rates.

METHODS: A search was conducted utilizing search engine EBSCOHOST, search terms included, CHF education, CHF clinic, pathway, teaching and readmission rates. The systematic review included 26 articles comprising of random, nonrandom, observational and data analysis studies. Criteria for inclusions was met if the study used education targeting CHF patients who had a recorded ejection fraction of < 45%. Exclusion criteria included patients on hospice, terminally ill patients or absence of a recorded ejection fraction.

RESULTS: 5 randonmized studies, two using cluster randomized trials, 1 non-randomized, 1 observation and 1 retrospective analysis was reviewed, all except one study had a control group. Subjects had a mean age of 72 years old. Randomonized studies suggest a multidisciplinary approach is successful in decreasing hospital readmssions for CHF patients.The results showed decreased hospital readmission rates when patients were treated in a CHF clinic who received multidisciplinary treatment. There is no evidence to support CHF education solely results in decreased readmission rates.

CONCLUSIONS: This analysis requires additional studies to better define and further explore the impact of CHF education and its impact on hospital readmission rates.

Introduction:

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a rapidly growing topic of concern among Medicare reimbursed hospital systems. According to the Chicago Tribune, “Medicare’s new penalty system is designed to prod hospitals to make sure patients get the care they need after discharge and to reduce the number of potentially avoidable readmissions, which by one estimate cost the government $12 billion a year”. CHF is a chronic condition,...