The Effectiveness of Transitional Care Interventions on Health Care Utilization in Patients Discharged From the Hospital With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Contributions of digital technologies for resilience capacity in a type 1 diabetes transition clinic: A qualitative study

A type 1 diabetes (T1D) transition clinic in Sydney, Australia, provides age specific care for young adults (aged 16-25 years) and for adults (aged 21 years and above), and has reported improved clinical outcomes post transition to adult care over a 21-year period. This study investigated the contribution of digital technology to long-term resilient capacity of the clinic. Clinic observations and interviews with eight providers and 17 young adults were conducted. Using a framework to analyze resilient capacity in healthcare, seven strong themes emerged from the data: Leadership, Involvement, Communication, Coordination, Risk Awareness, Competence and Alignment with three themes, Structure, Learning and Facilitators also supported. Patient service adaptations included offering out of hours appointment times and telehealth to accommodate young adults' availability. This study provides evidence for the important role that digital technologies contribute to a system of care with capacity for resilience. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the factors needed to support young adults with T1D and may be valuable to inform models of care for young adults living with other chronic health conditions.

Characteristics of patients who return to the emergency department after an observation-unit assessment

OBJECTIVE

Emergency department observation units (EDOUs) transition patients from the ED to dedicated areas where they can receive continuous monitoring. Understanding patient return visits after EDOU discharge is important for optimizing healthcare. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between demographic and clinical features and the likelihood of returning to the ED within 30 days following an initial EDOU assessment.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, cohort study of adult EDOU subjects was conducted between February 1, 2018, and January 31, 2023. Adult patients who were evaluated in an EDOU and returned to an ED within 30 days were compared with those who were assessed in the EDOU but did not return to the ED within 30 days. The analysis took into account multiple visits by the same subject and made adjustments for variables of sex, ethnicity, insurance status, primary diagnosis, and disposition using a generalized linear mixed model.

RESULTS

A total of 14,910 EDOU encounters was analyzed, and 2,252 patients (15%) returned to the ED within 30 days. The analysis took into account several variables that indicated a significant association with the likelihood of returning to the ED within 30 days. These were sex (P<0.001), ethnicity (P=0.005), race (P<0.001), insurance status (P<0.001), primary diagnosis (P<0.001), and disposition (P<0.001). Emergency severity index and length of stay were not associated with ED return.

CONCLUSION

Understanding these factors may guide interventions, enhance EDOU care, and reduce resource strain. Further research should explore these associations and the long-term intervention impacts on improved outcomes.

Characteristics of the phenotypes in prevalent and incident cases of heart failure in primary care: IBERICAN study

BACKGROUND

The management in primary care (PC) of the patients with Heart Failure (HF) is different from the management hospital, in a special way compared to cardiology departments.

OBJECTIVE

To define the characteristics in both phenotypes of HF in prevalent and incident cases of HF in patients recruited in a large PC sample.

METHODS

We proposed a and longitudinal analyses, in patients of the IBERICAN cohort, that recruited 8,066 patients in the Spanish primary care system, with 15,488 patients-years of follow-up. Of them, 252 patients (3.1%) had diagnoses of HF. HF was classified according to the 2014 guidelines in two groups: HF with a reduced eject fraction or HFrEF (LVEF < 50%) and HF with preserved eject fraction or HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50%). Recommended treatment was defined as the patient receiving drug treatment with Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) blockers with beta-blockers and, optionally, spironolactone. The incidence of new cases of HF was calculated in the 7,814 patients without HF in the inclusion visit. Finally, we analysed which variables associated the onset new cases and get the hazard ratio (HR) with the confidence interval at 95% ([95%CI]). Clinical trials register: NCT02261441 (02/05/2017).

RESULTS

The HFpEF was the most frequent phenotype in prevalent cases (61.1%) and incident cases (73.9%). Patients with HFrEF had a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease (p = 0.008) and PAD (p = 0.028), and no statistically significant differences was observed in the therapeutic groups used between both groups. The incidence of HF was 12.8 cases/1000 inhabitants/year, 35.6% of them was diagnosed in PC. The renin-angiotensin system blockers were more used in PC (60%) and beta-blockers (100%) and spironolactone (60%) in hospital. The female sex showed a protective effect for incident cases (0.51 [0.28-0.92]); and AF (HR [95%CI]: 2.90 [1.51-5.54]), coronary heart disease (HR [95%CI]: 2.18 [1.19-4.00]) and hypertension (HR [95%CI]: 1.91 [1.00-3.64]) increased the risk of developing HF.

CONCLUSIONS

HF phenotype more frequent and incident in PC was the HFpEF, but only one third of them are diagnosed in PC level. The female sex showed a protective effect and atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and hypertension increased the risk of develop HF.

Population-based disease-group analysis of Spanish excess mortality in the early COVID-19 pandemic period

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Increased mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic is not explained exclusively by COVID-19 infection and its complications. We analysed non-COVID-19 causes of mortality in a population analysis based on data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics.

METHODS

Using monthly mortality data in Spain (January 2010-December 2020), we analysed deaths associated with cancer, blood, endocrine, mental, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive diseases and explored the COVID-19 impact using a difference-in-difference strategy. We calculated monthly interannual variations in mortality and computed percentage change in terms of the log of deaths in month h of year t minus the log of deaths in month h in the previous year t-1.

RESULTS

In 2020 in Spain, mortality increased 17.9% compared with 2019. COVID-19 was the leading cause of death (n=60 358), followed by ischaemic heart disease (n=29 654). Throughout 2020, monthly interannual variations in cardiovascular mortality showed an average upward trend of 1.7%, while digestive, cancer and blood diseases showed a downward trend.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain in 2020, excess mortality was primarily related to cardiovascular mortality while mortality associated with digestive, cancer and blood diseases was reduced.

Association of a Transitional Heart Failure Management Program With Readmission and End-of-Life Care in Rural Japan

Background: Evidence on transitional care for heart failure (HF) in Japan is limited. Methods and Results: We implemented a transitional HF management program in rural Japan in 2019. This involved collaboration with general practitioners or nursing care facilities and included symptom monitoring by medical/nursing staff using a handbook; standardized discharge care planning and information sharing on self-care and advance care planning using a collaborative sheet; and sharing expertise on HF management via manuals. We compared the outcomes within 1 year of discharge among patients hospitalized with HF in the 2 years before program implementation (2017-2018; historical control, n=198), in the first 2 years after program implementation (2019-2020; Intervention Phase 1, n=205), and in the second 2 years, following program revision and regional dissemination (2021-2022; Intervention Phase 2, n=195). HF readmission rates gradually decreased over Phases 1 and 2 (P<0.05). This association was consistent regardless of physician expertise, follow-up institution, or the use of nursing care services (P>0.1 for interaction). Mortality rates remained unchanged, but significantly more patients received end-of-life care at home in Phase 2 than before (P<0.05). Conclusions: The implementation of a transitional care program was associated with decreased HF readmissions and increased end-of-life care at home for HF patients in rural Japan.

conTemporary reflectiOns regarding heart failure manaGEmenT - How to ovERcome the PorTuguese barriers (TOGETHER-PT)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that is a significant burden in hospitalisations, morbidity, and mortality. Although a significant effort has been made to better understand its consequences and current barriers in its management, there are still several gaps to address. The present work aimed to identify the views of a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals on HF awareness and literacy, diagnosis, treatment and organization of care, identifying current challenges and providing insights into the future.

METHODS

A steering committee was established, including members of the Heart Failure Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (GEIC-SPC), the Heart Failure Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine (NEIC-SPMI) and the Cardiovascular Study Group (GEsDCard) of the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine (APMGF). This steering committee produced a 16-statement questionnaire regarding different HF domains that was answered to by a diversified group of 152 cardiologists, internists, general practitioners, and nurses with an interest or dedicated to HF using a five-level Likert scale. Full agreement was defined as ≥80% of level 5 (fully agree) responses.

RESULTS

Globally, consensus was achieved in all but one of the 16 statements. Full agreement was registered in seven statements, namely 3 of 4 statements for patient education and HF awareness and 2 in 4 statements of both HF diagnosis and healthcare organization, with proportions of fully agree responses ranging from 82.9% to 96.7%. None of the HF treatment statements registered full agreement but 3 of 4 achieved ≥80% of level 4 (agree) responses.

CONCLUSION

This document aims to be a call-to-action to improve HF patients' quality of life and prognosis, by promoting a change in HF care in Portugal.

Medicare's Hospital Readmission Reduction Program reduced fall-related health care use: An unexpected benefit?

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) was associated with a reduction in severe fall-related injuries (FRIs).

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING

Secondary data from Medicare were used.

STUDY DESIGN

Using an event study design, among older (≥65) Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, we assessed changes in 30- and 90-day FRI readmissions before and after HRRP's announcement (April 2010) and implementation (October 2012) for conditions targeted by the HRRP (acute myocardial infarction [AMI], congestive heart failure [CHF], and pneumonia) versus "non-targeted" (gastrointestinal) conditions. We tested for modification by hospitals with "high-risk" before HRRP and accounted for potential upcoding. We also explored changes in 30-day FRI readmissions involving emergency department (ED) or outpatient care, care processes (length of stay, discharge destination, and primary care visit), and patient selection (age and comorbidities).

DATA COLLECTION

Not applicable.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We identified 1.5 million (522,596 pre-HRRP, 514,844 announcement, and 474,029 implementation period) index discharges. After its announcement, HRRP was associated with 12%-20% reductions in 30- and 90-day FRI readmissions for patients with CHF (-0.42 percentage points [ppt], p = 0.02; -1.53 ppt, p < 0.001) and AMI (-0.35, p = 0.047; -0.97, p = 0.001). Two years after implementation, HRRP was associated with reductions in 90-day FRI readmission for AMI (-1.27 ppt, p = 0.01) and CHF (-0.98 ppt, p = 0.02) patients. Results were similar for hospitals at higher versus lower baseline risk of FRI readmission. After HRRP's announcement, decreases were observed in home health (AMI: -2.43 ppt, p < 0.001; CHF: -8.83 ppt, p < 0.001; pneumonia: -1.97 ppt, p < 0.001) and skilled nursing facility referrals (AMI: -5.95 ppt, p < 0.001; CHF: -3.19 ppt, p < 0.001; pneumonia: -10.27 ppt, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HRRP was associated with reductions in FRIs, primarily for HF and pneumonia patients. These decreases may reflect improvements in transitional care including changes in post-acute referral patterns that benefit patients at risk for falls.

Effectiveness of hospital-to-home transitional care interventions and consultation for implementation in Sudan: a scoping review of systematic reviews

Background

Hospital discharge is often associated with a lack of continuity resulting in fragmented care, particularly in low-income countries. As there is limited information about interventions in these countries and no study evaluating the effectiveness of hospital discharge interventions, we conducted a scoping review to identify effective hospital-to-home transitional care interventions and explore their applicability in a low-income country (Sudan).

Methods

Our scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses classed interventions as effective, ineffective, undesirable, or uncertain, based on the quality of their evidence and their estimated effects on the following outcomes: readmission rates, mortality, costs, quality of life, and adverse outcomes) and certainty of evidence. Our authors from Sudan used the SUPPORT summary tool to determine if three effective interventions could be implemented in Sudan.

Results

Out of 3,276 articles that were identified, and 72 articles were reviewed, 10 articles has been included in the review. Seven interventions were classified as effective, one as ineffective, and none with undesirable effects. Eight interventions were classified as having an uncertain effect. The effective interventions were composed of home visits, information and communication technology (ICT), case manager models, multidisciplinary teams, and self-management support.

Conclusions

The finding of this study suggested that a combining two to four interventions can improve enhance hospital-to-home transitional care. Effective interventions are composed of home visits, ICT, case manager models, multidisciplinary teams, and self-management support. The implementation of these interventions in Sudan was found to be undermined by contextual factors such as inadequate human resources, telecommunication instability, and inequality in accessibility. These interventions could be tailored based on an in-depth understanding of the contextual factors in low-income countries that influence implementation.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/9eqvr/, doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/9EQVR.

[Evidence of effectiveness of hospital transition care in the elderly: rapid systematic reviewEvidencia de la eficacia de la atención transitoria prestada a las personas mayores después de la hospitalización: revisión sistemática rápida]

Objective

To synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of hospital transition care in the elderly to support decision-making.

Method

This rapid systematic review followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Studies were selected from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases using the following criteria: focus on the elderly as population; provision of hospital transition care as intervention; care as usual (non-transition care) as comparator; and effectiveness of the presence vs. absence of transition care as the outcome, with effectiveness defined as improvement in any evaluated parameter. Systematic reviews published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with or without meta-analysis, that assessed hospital transition care in elderly individuals were included. Studies lacking a description of the intervention and target population were excluded.

Results

Of the 207 identified reviews, 18 were included. The studies were conducted in 21 countries, with 10 studies conducted in Europe and one in Brazil. The effectiveness of care for the elderly was demonstrated through increased adherence to medication regimens, reduced adverse events and medication-related errors, improved functional status, reduced falls, and reduced healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Despite the evidence indicating the effectiveness of hospital transition care, further research is needed to develop more robust indicators of clinical improvement and integration into healthcare systems.

Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and symptoms associated with fluid overload among non-hospitalized and community-dwelling older adults with heart failure: A population-based approach

BACKGROUND

Fluid overload is a major complication in patients with heart failure (HF) and the main reason for hospitalization. The purpose of the study was to explore the associations of fluid overload with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and symptoms among non-hospitalized and community-dwelling older adults with HF using large population data.

METHODS

Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the Health and Retirement Study 2016.

RESULTS

Fluid overload was prevalent in almost half of the sample. Female older adults with HF were more likely to have fluid overload (OR:1.43, p = 0.037) as well as being Black (OR:1.40, p = 0.041). Higher physical activity scores were associated with less likelihood of having fluid overload (OR:0.99, p = 0.025). Symptoms of shortness of breath (OR=2.18, p = 0.001), pain (OR=1.82, p < 0.001), and fatigue (OR=1.45, p = 0.025) were significantly associated with fluid overload.

CONCLUSION

Female and Black community-dwelling older adults with HF are at higher risk of fluid overload. Symptoms of shortness of breath, pain, and fatigue are significant manifestations of fluid overload. Effective patient-centered interventions to promote fluid flow via physical activity may help older adults with HF manage fluid overload and alleviate associated symptoms.

The Effect of Home Care Support Clinics on Hospital Readmission in Heart Failure Patients in Japan

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is common and is associated with high rates of hospitalization. Home care support clinics/hospitals (HCSCs) and enhanced HCSCs were introduced in Japan in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effect of post-discharge care by conventional or enhanced HCSCs on readmission, compared with general clinics.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using the Japanese nationwide health insurance claims database.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were ≥65 years of age, admitted for heart failure and discharged between July 2014 and August 2015 and received a home visit within a month following the discharge (n=12,393).

MAIN MEASURES

The exposure was the type of medical facility that provides post-discharge home healthcare: general clinics, conventional HCSCs, and enhanced HCSCs. The primary outcome was all-cause readmission for 6 months after the first visit; the incidence of emergency house calls was a secondary outcome. We used a competing risk regression using the Fine and Gray method, in which death was regarded as a competing event.

KEY RESULTS

At 6 months, readmissions were lower in conventional (38%) or enhanced HCSCs (38%) than general clinics (43%). The adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) of readmission was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.96) for conventional and 0.86 (0.78-0.96) for enhanced HCSCs. Emergency house calls increased with conventional (sHR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.57-2.00) and enhanced HCSCs (sHR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.71-2.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Older Japanese patients with heart failure receiving post-discharge home healthcare by conventional or enhanced HCSCs had lower readmission rates, possibly due to compensation with more emergency house calls. Conventional and enhanced HCSCs may be effective in reducing the risk of rehospitalization. Further studies are necessary to confirm the medical functions performed by HCSCs.

An evidence map of systematic reviews on models of outpatient care for patients with chronic heart diseases

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart disease affects millions of people worldwide and the prevalence is increasing. By now, there is an extensive literature on outpatient care of people with chronic heart disease. We aimed to systematically identify and map models of outpatient care for people with chronic heart disease in terms of the interventions included and the outcomes measured and reported to determine areas in need of further research.

METHODS

We created an evidence map of published systematic reviews. PubMed, Cochrane Library (Wiley), Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify all relevant articles from January 2000 to June 2021 published in English or German language. From each included systematic review, we abstracted search dates, number and type of included studies, objectives, populations, interventions, and outcomes. Models of care were categorised into six approaches: cardiac rehabilitation, chronic disease management, home-based care, outpatient clinic, telemedicine, and transitional care. Intervention categories were developed inductively. Outcomes were mapped onto the taxonomy developed by the COMET initiative.

RESULTS

The systematic literature search identified 8043 potentially relevant publications on models of outpatient care for patients with chronic heart diseases. Finally, 47 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria, covering 1206 primary studies (including double counting). We identified six different models of care and described which interventions were used and what outcomes were included to measure their effectiveness. Education-related and telemedicine interventions were described in more than 50% of the models of outpatient care. The most frequently used outcome domains were death and life impact.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on outpatient care for people with chronic heart diseases is broad. However, comparability is limited due to differences in interventions and outcome measures. Outpatient care for people with coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation is a less well-studied area compared to heart failure. Our evidence mapping demonstrates the need for a core outcome set and further studies to examine the effects of models of outpatient care or different interventions with adjusted outcome parameters.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42020166330).

The effectiveness of tele-transitions of care interventions in high-risk older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronically ill older patients are often vulnerable to detrimental health outcomes and have increased risk of preventable readmission. Tele-transitions of care interventions utilizing telecommunications and surveillance technologies help monitor patients' conditions after discharge to prevent negative health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and synthesize available evidence on the effectiveness of tele-transitions of care interventions on various health outcomes in older adults at high risk for readmission discharged from acute setting.

METHODS

Published, unpublished studies and gray literatures were identified through searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and theses and Google Scholar from inception to December 2021. Only randomized controlled trials published in English language assessing tele-transitions of care interventions on high-risk older adults were included. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model in RevMan 5.4. Sensitivity and subgroup and narrative analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included, of which thirteen were considered for meta-analyses. Tele-transitions of care interventions were effective in reducing readmission rate (RR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.50-0.69, z = 6.28, p < 0.00001), mortality rate (RR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.53-0.98, z = 2.12, p = 0.03), and improving health-related quality of life (SMD = 0.24, Z = 2.04, p = 0.04). However, reduction of emergency department visit (RR = 1.10, 95%CI 0.59-2.06, z = 0.31, p = 0.76) and improvement of functional status (SMD = -0.06, Z = 0.19, p = 0.85) was not observed following intervention. Subgroup analysis found that the positive effects of tele-transitions of care interventions persist up to 180 days even after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that tele-transitions of care interventions have promising effects on readmission, mortality rate and health-related quality of life. Tele-transitions of care interventions are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale implementation in healthcare settings.

REGISTRATION

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022295665).

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Systematic review demonstrates that monitoring older patients at high risk of readmission, following discharge from hospital, using telecommunication and surveillance technologies significantly reduces readmission and mortality rates and improves their quality of life.

Innovative models of healthcare delivery: an umbrella review of reviews

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a synthesis of evidence-based research for seven innovative models of care to inform the development of new hospitals.

DESIGN

Umbrella review.

SETTING

Interventions delivered inside and outside of acute care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Children and adults with one or more identified acute or chronic health conditions.

DATA SOURCES

PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical indicators and mortality, healthcare utilisation, quality of life, self-management and self-care and patient knowledge.

RESULTS

A total of 66 reviews were included, synthesising evidence from 1272 primary studies across the 7 models of care. Virtual care was the most common model studied, addressed by 47 (73%) of the reviews. Common outcomes evaluated across reviews were clinical indicators and mortality, healthcare utilisation, self-care and self-management, patient knowledge, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The findings indicate that the innovative models of healthcare we identified in this review may be effective in managing patients with a range of acute and chronic conditions. Most of the included reviews reported evidence of comparable or improved care.

CONCLUSIONS

A consideration of local infrastructure and individual patient characteristics, such as health literacy, may be critical in determining the suitability of models of care for patients and their implementation in local health systems.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

10.17605/OSF.IO/PS6ZU.

Virtual wards: a rapid evidence synthesis and implications for the care of older people

BACKGROUND

Virtual wards are being rapidly developed within the National Health Service in the UK, and frailty is one of the first clinical pathways. Virtual wards for older people and existing hospital at home services are closely related.

METHODS

In March 2022, we searched Medline, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and medRxiv for evidence syntheses which addressed clinical-effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, barriers and facilitators, or staff, patient or carer experience for virtual wards, hospital at home or remote monitoring alternatives to inpatient care.

RESULTS

We included 28 evidence syntheses mostly relating to hospital at home. There is low to moderate certainty evidence that clinical outcomes including mortality (example pooled RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.99) were probably equivalent or better for hospital at home. Subsequent residential care admissions are probably reduced (example pooled RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.57). Cost-effectiveness evidence demonstrated methodological issues which mean the results are uncertain. Evidence is lacking on cost implications for patients and carers. Barriers and facilitators operate at multiple levels (organisational, clinical and patient). Patient satisfaction may be improved by hospital at home relative to inpatient care. Evidence for carer experience is limited.

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial evidence for the clinical effectiveness of hospital at home but less evidence for virtual wards. Guidance for virtual wards is lacking on key aspects including team characteristics, outcome selection and data protection. We recommend that research and evaluation is integrated into development of virtual ward models. The issue of carer strain is particularly relevant.

What do consumer and providers view as important for integrated care? A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Integrated care is a model recognised internationally, however, there is limited evidence about its usability in the community. This study aimed to elicit community and provider views about integrated care and how implementation could meet their healthcare needs in a new hospital.

METHODS

Using a qualitative approach, consumer and provider views on the strengths, barriers and enablers for integrated care were collected via a series of online workshops and supplementary interviews.

RESULTS

A total of 22 consumers and 49 providers participated in 11 focus groups; all perceived integrated care to be an accessible and efficient model that offers a high level of care which enhanced staff and patient well-being. Providers expressed concerns about longer waiting times and safety risks associated with communication gaps and insufficient staff. Enablers include supporting consumers in navigating the integrated care process, co-ordinating and integrating primary care into the model as well as centralising patient electronic medical records.

DISCUSSION

Primary, tertiary and community linkages are key for integrated care. Successful interoperability of services and networks requires an investment in resources and infrastructure to build the capability for providers to seamlessly access information at all points along the patient pathway.

CONCLUSION

Integrated care is perceived by consumers and providers to be a flexible and patient-focused model of healthcare that offers benefits for a hospital of the future.

Effects of a multidisciplinary management program on symptom burden and medication adherence in heart failure patients with comorbidities: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Comorbidities in heart failure (HF) are a complex clinical challenge. There is little data on the benefits of multidisciplinary postdischarge management programs in such patients. This study aimed to examine the effects of a multidisciplinary management program (MMP) on symptom burden and medication adherence in HF patients with comorbidities.

METHODS

In this clinical trial study, 94 HF patients with comorbidities were assigned to intervention (n = 47) and control (n = 47) groups by the stratified-random method. The intervention group underwent MMP supervised by a nurse for two months after discharge, including multi-professional visits, telephone follow-ups, and an educational booklet. Medication adherence and symptom burden were assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), respectively, on three occasions: Before discharge, six weeks, and eight weeks after discharge.

RESULTS

Both groups almost matched at the baseline, and the most frequent comorbidities included myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, peptic ulcer, and depression, respectively. The interactive effect of time in groups showed that mean changes in total scores of symptom burden and medication adherence were significantly different (P < 0.001) at other time points. A significant increase in medication adherence (P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the burden of all symptoms were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group from Time 1 to Time 3.

CONCLUSIONS

The MMP (targeting comorbidity) is a promising strategy for managing symptoms and medication adherence in HF patients with comorbidities.

A comparison between hospital follow-up and collaborative follow-up in patients with acute heart failure

AIMS

There are no previous studies focusing on collaborative follow-ups between hospitals and clinics for patients discharged after acute heart failure (AHF) in Japan. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of collaboration between hospitals and clinics for patients with AHF in Japan and to compare patient characteristics and clinical outcomes using a large Japanese observational database.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 4056 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF in the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry, we analysed 2862 patients discharged to go home, who were divided into 1674 patients (58.5%) followed up at hospitals with index hospitalization (hospital follow-up group) and 1188 (41.5%) followed up in a collaborative fashion with clinics or other general hospitals (collaborative follow-up group). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization within 1 year after discharge. Previous hospitalization for HF and length of hospital stay longer than 15 days were associated with hospital follow-up. Conversely, ≥80 years of age, hypertension, and cognitive dysfunction were associated with collaborative follow-up. The cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary outcome, all cause death, and cardiovascular death were similar between the hospital and collaborative follow-up groups (31.6% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.51, 13.1% vs, 13.9%, P = 0.35, 8.4% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.96). Even after adjusting for confounders, the difference in risk for patients in the hospital follow-up group relative to those in the collaborative follow-up group remained insignificant for the primary outcome, all-cause death, and cardiovascular death (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.97-1.27, P = 0.14, HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.91-1.33, P = 0.33, HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.87-1.05, P = 0.33). The cumulative 1-year incidence of HF hospitalization was higher in the hospital follow-up group than in the collaborative follow-up group (25.5% vs. 21.3%, P = 0.02). The risk of HF hospitalization was higher in the hospital follow-up group than in the collaborative follow-up group (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.39, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients hospitalized for AHF, 41.5% received collaborative follow-up after discharge. The risk of HF hospitalization was higher in the hospital follow-up group than in the collaborative follow-up, although risk of the primary outcome, all-cause death, and cardiovascular death were similar between groups.

Inaccurate recognition of own comorbidities is associated with poor prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure

Aims

A patient's understanding of his or her own comorbidities is part of the recommended patient education for those with heart failure. The accuracy of patients' understanding of their comorbidities and its prognostic impact have not been reported.

Methods and results

Patients hospitalized for heart failure (n = 1234) aged ≥65 years (mean age: 80.1 ± 7.7 years; 531 females) completed a questionnaire regarding their diagnoses of diabetes, malignancy, stroke, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease (CAD). The patients were categorized into three groups based on the number of agreements between self‐reported comorbidities and provider‐reported comorbidities: low (1–2, n = 19); fair (3–4, n = 376); and high (5–6, n = 839) agreement groups. The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality or heart failure rehospitalization at 1 year. The low agreement group had more comorbidities and a higher prevalence of a history of heart failure. The agreement was good for diabetes (κ = 0.73), moderate for malignancy (κ = 0.56) and stroke (κ = 0.50), and poor‐to‐fair for hypertension (κ = 0.33), COPD (κ = 0.25), and CAD (κ = 0.30). The fair and low agreement groups had poorer outcomes than the good agreement group [fair agreement group: hazard ratio (HR): 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.56; P = 0.041; low agreement group: HR: 2.74: 95% CI: 1.40–5.35; P = 0.003].

Conclusions

The ability to recognize their own comorbidities among older patients with heart failure was low. Patients with less accurate recognition of their comorbidities may be at higher risk for a composite of all‐cause mortality or heart failure rehospitalization.

Personalizing Heart Failure Care to the Patient With Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current review describes the role of the cardio-oncology nurse and the need for personalized heart failure care for the patient with cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is a new role whereby cardiology or heart failure nurses care for patients with cancer who develop cardiotoxicity or cardiovascular diseases, either during the cancer therapy or in a later stage. Inter-disciplinary approach is important for individualized early treatment, shortened interruptions to cancer therapy, and irreversible cardiovascular injury prevention. Nurses have a key role in early evaluation and quality control of the care provided. This is a quite new clinical area and not much evidence exists for the development of clinical guidelines and pathways to support clinicians. More trials are needed for the development of clinical recommendations.

[Decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: overcoming barriers to improve prognosis in the "vulnerable" period after discharge]

Frequency of hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure (HF) and associated costs are steadily increasing worldwide. An episode of HF is a risk marker, reflects a change in the course of disease, a high probability of adverse events, and requirement for using all options to improve the prognosis. This article discusses barriers and ways to overcome them in managing HF patients with low ejection fraction. An evidence-based, disease-modifying therapy exists for this HF phenotype. Administration of the therapy along with additional, novel drugs that improve outcomes, and organization of medical care are essential during the "vulnerable period" after discharge from the hospital.

Effects of nurse-led transitional care interventions for patients with heart failure on healthcare utilization: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) imposes a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Hospital-to-home transitional care, involving time-limited interventions delivered predominantly by nurses, was introduced to lighten this burden. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and dose-response of nurse-led transitional care interventions (TCIs) on healthcare utilization among patients with HF.

METHODS

Health-related databases were systematically searched for articles published from January 2000 to June 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared nurse-led TCIs with usual care for adults hospitalized with HF and reported the following healthcare utilization outcomes: all-cause readmissions, HF-specific readmissions, emergency department visits, or length of hospital stay. Random-effects meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis, and dose-response analysis were performed to estimate the treatment effects and explain the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-five RCTs including 8422 patients with HF were included. Nurse-led TCIs for patients with HF resulted in a mean 9% (RR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.99; p = 0.04; I2 = 46%) and 29% (RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.84; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%) reduction in all-cause and HF-specific readmission risks respectively compared to usual care. The interventions were also effective in shortening the length of hospital stay (MD = -2.37; 95% CI = -3.16 to -1.58; p < 0.0001; I2 = 14%). However, no significant reduction was found for emergency department visits (RR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.10; p = 0.58; I2 = 0%). The effect of meta-regression coefficients on all-cause and HF-specific readmissions was not statistically significant for any prespecified trial-level characteristic. Dose-response analysis revealed that the HF-specific readmission risk decreased in a dose-dependent manner with the complexity and intensity of nurse-led TCIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led TCIs were effective in decreasing all-cause and HF-specific readmission risks, as well as in reducing the length of hospital stay; however, the interventions were not effective in reducing the frequency of emergency department visits.