Una consulta específica al alta ( STOP-HF-Clinic ) reduce los reingresos a 30 días de los pacientes ancianos y frágiles con insuficiencia cardiaca

Basic action protocol for the outpatient management of chronic heart failure of the Spanish society of internal medicine

Chronic heart failure (CHF) represents a challenge for the healthy system due to its high prevalence, high burden of morbidity and mortality, and high consumption of health resources. To address this problem, it is necessary to develop efficient management strategies that include both hospital care and outpatient care. The primary objective is to stabilize the patient and prevent decompensation, with the consequent improvement in quality of life, reduction in hospital admissions and emergency department care, and, consequently, reduction in healthcare costs. In this context, the heart failure and atrial fibrilation working group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine has developed a protocol for the management of outpatient CHF, that addresses, from the perspective of Internal medicine, all the problems suffered by the patient with CHF. This protocol aims to optimize pharmacological treatment, control cardiovascular risk factors and various comorbidities, educate the patient and their environment about the disease, promote adherence to treatment and stablish follow-up adapted to their condition.

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.

[Hospital admissions and outcomes for systolic and diastolic heart failure in Spain between 2016 and 2019: A population-based study]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In Spain there is a lack of population data that specifically compare hospitalization for systolic and diastolic heart failure (HF). We assessed clinical characteristics, in-hospital mortality and 30-day cardiovascular readmission rates differentiating by HF type.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients discharged with the principal diagnosis of HF from The National Health System' acute hospital during 2016-2019, distinguishing between systolic and diastolic HF. The source of the data was the Minimum Basic Data Set. The risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio and risk-standardized 30-day cardiovascular readmission ratio were calculated using multilevel risk adjustment models.

RESULTS

The 190,200 episodes of HF were selected. Of these, 163,727 (86.1%) were classified as diastolic HF and were characterized by older age, higher proportion of women, diabetes mellitus, dementia and renal failure than those with systolic HF. In the multilevel risk adjustment models, diastolic HF was a protective factor for both in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.83; P<.001) and 30-day cardiovascular readmission versus systolic HF (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97; P=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In Spain, between 2016 and 2019, hospitalization episodes for HF were mostly due to diastolic HF. According to the multilevel risk adjustment models, diastolic HF compared to systolic HF was a protective factor for both in-hospital mortality and 30-day cardiovascular readmission.

Population-based evaluation of the impact of socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure in integrated care settings

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the influence of SES on health outcomes after a quality of care improvement intervention for the management of HF integrating hospital and primary care resources in a health care area of 209 255 inhabitants.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based pragmatic evaluation of the implementation of an integrated HF program by conducting a natural experiment using health care data. We included all individuals consecutively admitted to hospital with at least one ICD-9-CM code for HF as the primary diagnosis and discharged alive in Catalonia between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. We compared outcomes between patients exposed to the new HF program and those in the remaining health care areas, globally and stratified by SES.

RESULTS

A total of 77 554 patients were included in the study. Death occurred in 37 469 (48.3%), clinically-related hospitalization in 41 709 (53.8%) and HF readmission in 29 755 (38.4%). On multivariate analysis, low or very low SES was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and clinically-related hospitalization (all Ps <.05). The multivariate models showed a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.812; 95%CI, 0.723-0.912), clinically-related hospitalization (HR, 0.886; 95%CI, 0.805-0.976) and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.838; 95%CI, 0.745-0.944) in patients exposed to the new HF program compared with patients exposed to the remaining health care areas and this effect was independent of SES.

CONCLUSIONS

An intensive transitional HF management program improved clinical outcomes, both overall and across SES strata.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Impact of Short Physical Performance Battery in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Heart Failure-Results of the PROFUND-IC Registry

BACKGROUND

Most patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF) are older adults with multiple comorbidities. Multipathological patients constitute a population with common characteristics: greater clinical complexity and vulnerability, frailty, mortality, functional deterioration, polypharmacy, and poorer health-related quality of life with more dependency.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with acute heart failure and to determine the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure according to the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scale.

METHODS

Observational, prospective, and multicenter cohort study conducted from September 2020 to May 2022 in patients with acute heart failure as the main diagnosis and NT-ProBNP > 300 pg. The cohort included patients admitted to internal medicine departments in 18 hospitals in Spain. Epidemiological variables, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular history, analytical parameters, and treatment during admission and discharge of the patients were collected. Level of frailty was assessed by the SPPB scale, and dependence, through the Barthel index. A descriptive analysis of all the variables was carried out, expressed as frequencies and percentages. A bivariate analysis of the SPPB was performed based on the score obtained (SPPB ≤ 5 and SPPB > 5). For the overall analysis of mortality, HF mortality, and readmission of patients at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year, Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used, in which the survival experience among patients with an SPPB > 5 and SPPB ≤ 5 was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 482 patients were divided into two groups according to the SPPB with a cut-off point of an SPPB < 5. In the sample, 349 patients (77.7%) had an SPPB ≤ 5 and 100 patients (22.30%) had an SPPB > 5. Females (61%) predominated in the group with an SPPB ≤ 5 and males (61%) in those with an SPPB > 5. The mean age was higher in patients with an SPPB ≤ 5 (85.63 years). Anemia was more frequent in patients with an SPPB ≤ 5 (39.5%) than in patients with an SPPB ≥ 5 (29%). This was also seen with osteoarthritis (32.7%, p = 0.000), diabetes (49.6%, p = 0.001), and dyslipidemia (69.6%, p = 0.011). Patients with an SPPB score > 5 had a Barthel index < 60 in only 4% (n = 4) of cases; the remainder of the patients (96%, n = 96) had a Barthel index > 60. Patients with an SPPB > 5 showed a higher probability of survival at 30 days (p = 0.029), 6 months (p = 0.031), and 1 year (p = 0.007) with (OR = 7.07; 95%CI (1.60-29.80); OR: 3.9; 95%CI (1.30-11.60); OR: 6.01; 95%CI (1.90-18.30)), respectively. No statistically significant differences were obtained in the probability of readmission at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted with acute heart failure showed a high frequency of frailty as assessed by the SPPB. Patients with an SPPB ≤ 5 had greater comorbidities and greater functional limitations than patients with an SPPB > 5. Patients with heart failure and a Barthel index > 60 frequently presented an SPPB < 5. In daily clinical practice, priority should be given to performing the SPPB in patients with a Barthel index > 60 to assess frailty. Patients with an SPPB ≤ 5 had a higher risk of mortality at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year than patients with an SPPB ≤ 5. The SPPB is a valid tool for identifying frailty in acute heart failure patients and predicting 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality.

One-year readmissions for circulatory diseases and in-hospital mortality after an index episode of heart failure in elderly patients. A nationwide data from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2018

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in elderly patients. However, there is limited evidence on readmission and mortality 1-year after discharge for HF.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the Minimum Basic Data Set, including HF episodes, discharged from Spanish hospitals between 2016 and 2018 in ≥ 75 years. We calculated: (a) the rate of readmissions due to circulatory system diseases (CSD) 365 days after index episode; (b) in-hospital mortality in readmissions; and (c) predictors of mortality and readmission.

RESULTS

We included 178,523 patients (59.2% women) aged 85.1 ± 5.5 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arrhythmias (56.0%) and renal failure (39.5%). During the follow-up, 48,932 patients (27.4%) had at least one readmission for CSD and a crude rate of 40.2%, the most frequent one HF (52.8%). The median between the date of readmission and discharge from the last admission was 70 days [IQI 24; 171] for the first readmission. The most relevant predictors of the number of readmissions were valvular heart disease and myocardial ischemia. During the readmissions, 26,757 patients (79.1%) died, representing a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 47,945 (26.9%). The factors in the index episode predictors of mortality during readmissions were cardio-respiratory failure and stroke. The number of readmissions was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.11-1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

The readmission rate for CSD 1-year after the index episode of HF in patients ≥ 75 years was 28.4%. The cumulative in-hospital mortality rate during the readmissions was 26.9%, and the number of rehospitalizations was identified as one of the main predictors of mortality.

Revisando Conceptos de Acceso, Trayectorias, Participación y Conocimiento Tácito en Investigaciones Sobre Pacientes y Cobertura en Salud

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize 5 approaches that have been developed in research on patients and health coverage, which reveal information from the perspective of patients: (1) access to healthcare, (2) therapeutic trajectories, (3) social participation in decision making on health coverage, (4) tacit knowledge, and (5) communities of practice.

METHODS

This is a narrative literature review, based on searches performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, between August and December 2021. A total of 45 scientific articles were selected for analysis, which were complemented by a gray literature search that provided 6 additional manuscripts.

RESULTS

Improving access to health services requires an understanding of the meaning of the concept of access from the users themselves. The patient trajectory approach contributes by emphasizing that the focus of analysis must adopt the patient's perspective, given that it provides valuable information for the decision making on health coverage. In addition, the role that social participation has in the process to grant trust and legitimacy is described. Tacit knowledge makes explicit the importance of revealing it as a source of information that adds value to the decision-making process. Finally, communities of practice are described as spaces where new ways of experiencing the disease originate, as well as ways of relating to the health system and its actors.

CONCLUSIONS

The article raises the relevance that various social actors know these approaches, as well as strategies to integrate them into the assessment processes in terms of health coverage.

Reflecting on the advancements of HFrEF therapies over the last two decades and predicting what is yet to come

What was once considered a topic best avoided, managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has become the focus of many drug and device therapies. While the four pillars of guideline-directed medical therapies have successfully reduced heart failure hospitalizations, and some have even impacted cardiovascular mortality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), patient-reported outcomes have emerged as important endpoints that merit greater emphasis in future studies. The prospect of an oral inotrope seems more probable now as targets for drug therapies have moved from neurohormonal modulation to intracellular mechanisms and direct cardiac myosin stimulation. While we have come a long way in safely providing durable mechanical circulatory support to patients with advanced HFrEF, several percutaneous device therapies have emerged, and many are under investigation. Biomarkers have shown promise in not only improving our ability to diagnose incident heart failure but also our potential to implicate specific pathophysiological pathways. The once-forgotten concept of discordance between pressure and volume, the forgotten splanchnic venous and lymphatic compartments, have all emerged as promising targets for diagnosing and treating heart failure in the not-so-distant future. The increase in heart failure-related cardiogenic shock (CS) has revived interest in defining optimal perfusion targets and designing RCTs in CS. Rapid developments in remote monitoring, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence promise to change the face of heart failure care. In this state-of-the-art review, we reminisce about the past, highlight the present, and predict what might be the future of HFrEF therapies.

Practical outpatient management of worsening chronic heart failure

Management of worsening heart failure (WHF) has traditionally been hospital‐based, but with the rising burden of heart failure (HF), the pressure on healthcare systems exerted by this disease necessitates a different strategy than long (and costly) hospital stays. A strategy for outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment of WHF has been developed in certain American centres in the past 10 years, whereas European centres have been mostly favouring ‘classic’ in‐hospital management of WHF. Embracing novel, outpatient approaches for treating WHF could substantially reduce the burden on healthcare systems while improving patient's satisfaction and quality of life. The present article is intended to provide essential knowledge and practical guidelines aimed at helping clinicians implement these new ambulatory approaches using day hospital and/or at‐home hospitalization. The topics addressed by our group of HF experts include the pathophysiological background of diuretic therapy, the most suitable profile of WHF that may be managed in an ambulatory setting, the pharmacological protocols that can be used, as well as a detailed description of healthcare structures that can be proposed to deliver these ambulatory care interventions. The practical aspects of day hospital and hospital‐at‐home IV diuretic administration are specifically emphasized. The algorithm provided along with the practical IV diuretic protocols should assist HF clinicians in implementing this new approach in their local clinical setting.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Congestion by Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Ultrasound and Biomarkers in Heart Failure

Worsening chronic heart failure (HF) is responsible for recurrent hospitalization and increased mortality risk after discharge, irrespective to the ejection fraction. Symptoms and signs of pulmonary and systemic congestion are the most common cause for hospitalization of acute decompensated HF, as a consequence of increased cardiac filling pressures. The elevated cardiac filling pressures, also called hemodynamic congestion, may precede the occurrence of clinical congestion by days or weeks. Since HF patients often have comorbidities, dyspnoea, the main symptom of HF, may be also caused by respiratory or other illnesses. Recent studies underline the importance of the diagnosis and treatment of hemodynamic congestion before HF symptoms worsen, reducing hospitalization and improving prognosis. In this paper we review the role of integrated evaluation of biomarkers and imaging technics, i.e., echocardiography and pulmonary ultrasound, for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of congestion in HF patients.

Thirteen-year trends in hospitalization and outcomes of patients with heart failure in Spain

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is one of the most pressing current public health concerns. However, in Spain there is a lack of population data. We aimed to examine thirteen-year nationwide trends in heart failure hospitalization, in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates in Spain.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients discharged with the principal diagnosis of heart failure from The National Health System' acute hospitals during 2003-2015. The source of the data was the Minimum Basic Data Set. Temporal trends were modelled using Poisson regression analysis. The risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio was calculated using a multilevel risk adjustment logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 1 254 830 episodes of heart failure were selected. Throughout 2003-2015, the number of hospital discharges with principal diagnosis of heart failure increased by 61%. Discharge rates weighted by age and sex increased during the period [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.03; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03-1.03; P < .001)], although this increase was motivated by the increase in older age groups (≥75 years old). The crude mortality rate diminished (IRR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1, P < .001), but 30-day readmission rate increased (IRR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04-1.06; P < .001). The risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio did not change throughout the study period (IRR: 0.997; 95% CI: 0.992-1; P = .32).

CONCLUSIONS

From 2003 to 2015, heart failure admission rates increased significantly in Spain as a consequence of the sustained increase of hospitalization in the population ≥75 years. 30-day readmission rates increased, but the risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio did not significantly change for the same period.

Morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with heart failure managed with a comprehensive care model vs. usual care: The UMIPIC program

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients with heart failure (HF) have a high degree of comorbidity which leads to fragmented care, with frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. This study evaluated the benefit of a comprehensive continuous care model (UMIPIC program) in elderly HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively analyzed data from the RICA registry on 2862 patients with HF treated in internal medicine departments. They were divided into two groups: one monitored in the UMIPIC program (UMIPIC group, n: 809) and another which received conventional care (RICA group, n: 2.053). We evaluated HF readmissions during 12 months of follow-up and total mortality after episodes of HF hospitalization. UMIPIC patients were older with higher rates of comorbidity and preserved ejection fraction than the RICA group. However, the UMIPIC group had a lower rate of HF readmissions (17% vs. 26%, p < .001) and mortality (16% vs. 27%, respectively; p < .001). In addition, we selected 370 propensity score-matched patients from each group and the differences in HF readmissions (15% UMIPIC vs. 30% RICA; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.60; p < .001) and mortality (17% UMIPIC vs. 28% RICA; hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI 0.42-0.79; p = .001) were maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the UMIPIC program, based on comprehensive continuous care of elderly patients with HF and high comorbidity, markedly reduce HF readmissions and total mortality.

Implementing a Heart Failure Transition Program to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions

BACKGROUND

Thirty-day readmissions for heart failure (HF) patients are often considered avoidable and linked to inadequate treatment and poor coordination of services and discharge plans.

PROBLEM

Lack of coordinated transitional care services and high 30-day readmissions prompted the interdisciplinary team to develop an HF Transition Program (HFTP).

METHODS

This quality improvement initiative used monthly trend data before and after HFTP implementation.

INTERVENTIONS

The American Heart Association Guidelines for HF Transitions served as a framework for developing the HFTP.

RESULTS

Over an 11-month period, 466 patients were enrolled into the HFTP, resulting in 18.2% (n = 82/450) 30-day cumulative readmission rate that is lower than the 21.9% national average. Sixteen patients did not code for HF after discharge. Heart Failure Transition Program calls to patients and families within the first week home were consistently high at 92.3% (430/466).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that care coordination and transitional care are important strategies to decrease 30-day HF readmissions.

CARE TRANSTION IN HOSPITAL DISCHARGE FOR ADULT PATIENTS: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACT Objective: to summarize and analyze the scientific production on care transition in the hospital discharge of adult patients. Method: integrative review, conducted from May to July 2020, in four relevant databases in the health area: Public Medline (PubMed); Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO); Scopus and Virtual Health Library (VHL). The analysis of the results occurred descriptively and was organized into thematic categories that emerged according to the similarity of the contents extracted from the articles. Results: 46 articles from national and international journals, with a predominance of descriptive/non-experimental studies or qualitative studies, met the inclusion criteria. Five categories were identified: discharge and post-discharge process; Continuity of post-discharge care; Benefits of care transition; Role of nurses in care transition and Experiences of patients on care transition. Hospital discharge and care transitions are interconnected processes as transitions qualify the dehospitalization process. Different strategies for continuity of care should be adopted, as they offer greater safety to the patient. Studies have shown that nurses play a fundamental role in transitions and, in Brazil, this activity still needs to gain more space. Reduced hospitalizations, mortality, hospital costs and patient satisfaction are benefits of transitions. Conclusion: care transition is an effective strategy for the care provided to the patient being discharged. It points out the need for integration between the care network and assists services in decision-making about the continuity of care on discharge.

Building a Heart Failure Clinic: A Practical Guide from the Heart Failure Society of America

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity and a primary driver of health care resource use in the United States. As such, there continues to be much interest in the development and refinement of HF clinics that manage patients with HF in a guideline-directed, technology-enabled, and coordinated approach. Optimization of resource use and maintenance of collaboration with other providers are also important themes when considering implementation of HF clinics. Through this document, the Heart Failure Society of America aims to provide a contemporary, practical guide to creating and sustaining a HF clinic. The guide discusses (1) patient care considerations for delivering guideline-directed and patient-centered care, and (2) operational considerations including development of a HF clinic business plan, setting goals, leadership support, triggers for patient referral and patient follow-up, patient population served, optimal clinic staffing models, relationships with subspecialists, and continuous quality improvement. This document was developed to empower providers and clinicians who wish to build and sustain community-based, successful HF clinics.

Follow-up results in a specialised consultation after discharge for heart failure

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure (HF), the condition still has high morbidity and mortality. Health education and the treatment of comorbidities have been shown to be effective, as has multidisciplinary care in specialised units, although this involves organisational and structural efforts that are not always feasible. We present the results of a simple outpatient consultation, focused on the specialised care of HF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The consultation included patients discharged after hospitalisation (index hospitalisation) for decompensated HF from an internal medicine department. The follow-up was conducted by internists especially dedicated (not exclusively) to HF and a nurse partially dedicated to HF. The follow-up consisted of fixed visits 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the discharge, with more visits on demand if needed.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients were included with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The reduction in hospitalisations and emergency department visits was 56% and 61% (P<.05), respectively, for HF and 46% and 40% (P<.05), respectively, for any cause. Treatment optimisation was also achieved, with a significant increase in the evidence-based drug prescription rate and the reduction of other drugs, such as calcium antagonists.

CONCLUSION

A simple model based on a specialised care consultation for HF is effective in reducing readmissions and optimising the treatment. The lack of healthcare resources should not be an obstacle for specialised care for patients with HF.

Comparison of predicted and observed mortality in patients with heart failure treated at a specialized unit

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze survival in heart failure (HF) patients treated at a specialized unit.

METHODS

Prospective cohort-based study of HF patients treated at a specialized unit from 2011 to 2017. Observed 1- and 3-year mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score.

RESULTS

We studied 1280 patients, whose median MAGGIC risk score was 19 [interquartile range, 13-24]. Prescription rates of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sacubitril-valsartan were 93%, 67%, 22%, 73%, and 16%, respectively. The MAGGIC risk score showed good discrimination for mortality at 1 year (c-statistic=0.71) and 3 years (c-statistic=0.76). Observed mortality was significantly lower than predicted mortality, both at 1 year (6.2% vs 10.9%; observed/predicted ratio=0.57; P<.001) and at 3 years (16.7% vs 27.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.60; P<.001). This discrepancy was found in several subgroups, except in patients aged> 70 years (29.9% vs 34.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.86; P=.126) and in patients with ejection fraction> 40% (19.6% vs 20.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.95; P=.640).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality in HF patients treated at a specialized clinic was significantly lower than that predicted by the MAGGIC risk score.

An Interprofessional Primary Care-Based Transition of Care Clinic to Reduce Hospital Readmission

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmission is a major burden for patients, caregivers, and health systems. Some readmissions may be avoided through timely follow-up in a transition clinic with an interprofessional approach to care.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated a cohort of adults >18 years, n = 203, who are patients of an affiliated academic internal medicine clinic with University of Florida Health and discharged from the hospital between November 1, 2016, and May 1, 2017. We sought to determine if follow-up in an interprofessional transition-of-care (TCM) clinic after discharge was associated with a reduction in hospital readmission when compared to standard follow-up at 30, 60, and 90 days.

RESULTS

Follow-up in the TCM clinic was associated with reduced odds of hospital readmission at 90 days by 60%, (odds ratio [OR]: 0.40, P = 0.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.97). Although the clinic failed to demonstrate a statistically significant association between clinic follow-up and in readmission at 30 (OR: 0.66, P = 0.36, 95% CI 0.27-1.59) and 60 days (OR: 0.67, P = 0.31, 95% CI 0.31-1.47), fewer readmissions were seen in patients seen by the TCM clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

A primary care nested interprofessional transition-of-care clinic was associated with a reduction in hospital readmission.

Transitional Care Interventions for Patients with Heart Failure: An Integrative Review

Heart failure (HF) is a life-limiting illness and presents as a gradual functional decline with intermittent episodes of acute deterioration and some recovery. In addition, HF often occurs in conjunction with other chronic diseases, resulting in complex comorbidities. Hospital readmissions for HF, including emergency department (ED) visits, are considered preventable. Majority of the patients with HF are often discharged early in the recovery period with inadequate self-care instructions. To address these issues, transitional care interventions have been implemented with the common objective of reducing the rate of hospital readmission, including ED visits. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the benefits and adverse effects of transitional care interventions on clinical outcomes and patient-related outcomes of patients with HF. This integrative review aims to identify the components of transitional care interventions and the effectiveness of these interventions in improving health outcomes of patients with HF. Five databases were searched from January 2000 to December 2019, and 25 articles were included.

Protocol-based follow-up program for heart failure patients: Impact on prognosis and quality of life

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is associated with high rates of readmission and mortality, and there is a need for measures to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of the implementation of a protocol-based follow-up program for heart failure patients on readmission and mortality rates and quality of life.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was performed, with a prospective registry of 50 consecutive patients discharged after hospitalization for acute heart failure. The study group was followed by a cardiologist at days 7-10 and the first, third, sixth and 12th month after discharge, with predefined procedures. The control group consisted of patients hospitalized for heart failure prior to implementation of the program and followed on a routine basis.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding mean age (67.1±11.2 vs. 65.8±13.4 years, p=0.5), NYHA functional class (p=0.37), or median left ventricular ejection fraction (27% [19.8-35.3] vs. 29% [23.5-40]; p=0.23) at discharge. Mean follow-up after discharge was similar (11±5.3 vs. 10.9±5.5 months, p=0.81). The protocol-based follow-up program was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause readmission (26% vs. 60%, p=0.003), heart failure readmission (16% vs. 36%, p=0.032), and mortality (4% vs. 20%, p=0.044). In the study group there was a significant improvement in all quality of life measures (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A protocol-based follow-up program for patients with heart failure led to a significant reduction in readmission and mortality rates, and was associated with better quality of life.

The Heart Failure Clinic: Improving 30-Day All-Cause Hospital Readmissions

Heart failure-related recurrent hospitalizations are widely recognized as a source of burden to both patients and the health system. Hospital discharges represent a transition of care and can often become a catalyst for readmission. One strategy in reducing this burden is the implementation of dedicated heart failure clinics. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients discharged from an inner city safety-net public hospital with a discharge diagnosis of heart failure. Patients followed in the Heart Clinic (HC) were compared to those with standard follow-up. All included cases were followed for 30 days after discharge to determine whether an all-cause readmission occurred. There were 258 patient discharges with an overall sicker population in the HC cohort. The HC group had a better event-free survival with a 67.1% reduction in readmission (log rank *p < .05). In concluding, a dedicated heart failure clinic reduced 30-day readmissions for patients who were discharged after having an acute exacerbation of heart failure.

Continuity of care interventions for preventing hospital readmission of older people with chronic diseases: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmission after discharge is a frequent, burdensome and costly event, particularly frequent in older people with multiple chronic conditions. Few literature reviews have analysed studies of continuity of care interventions to reduce readmissions of older inpatients discharged home over the short and long term.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of continuity of care interventions in older people with chronic diseases in reducing short and long term hospital readmission after hospital discharge.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive literature search on the databases PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE was performed on 27 January 2019 with no language and time limits.

REVIEW METHODS

RCTs on continuity of care interventions on older people discharged from hospital having hospital readmission as outcome, were included. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Selected outcome data were combined and pooled using a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty RCTs, representing 8920 patients were included. Results were stratified by time of readmissions. At 1 month from discharge, the continuity interventions were associated with lower readmission rates in 207/1595 patients in the experimental group (12.9%), versus 264/1645 patients in the control group (16%) (Relative Risk [RR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71-0.99]). From 1 to 3 months, readmission rates were lower in 325/1480 patients in the experimental group (21.9%), versus 455/1523 patients in the control group (29.8%) (RR 0.74 [95% CI, 0.65-0.84]). A subgroup analysis showed that this positive effect was stronger when the interventions addressed all of the continuity dimensions. After 3 months this impact became inconclusive with moderate/high statistical heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuity of care interventions prevent short term hospital readmission in older people with chronic diseases. However, there is inconclusive evidence about the effectiveness of continuity interventions aiming to reduce long term readmission, and it is suggested that stronger focus on it is needed.

The American Heart Association Heart Failure Summit, Bethesda, April 12, 2017

The American Heart Association convened a meeting to summarize the changing landscape of heart failure (HF), anticipate upcoming challenges and opportunities to achieve coordinated identification and treatment, and to recommend areas in need of focused efforts. The conference involved representatives from clinical care organizations, governmental agencies, researchers, patient advocacy groups, and public and private healthcare partners, demonstrating the breadth of stakeholders interested in improving care and outcomes for patients with HF. The main purposes of this meeting were to foster dialog and brainstorm actions to close gaps in identifying people with or at risk for HF and reduce HF-related morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations. This report highlights the key topics covered during the meeting, including (1) identification of patients with or at risk for HF, (2) tracking patients once diagnosed, (3) application of population health approaches to HF, (4) improved strategies for reducing HF hospitalization (not just rehospitalization), and (5) promoting HF self-management.

Comparison of 18-Month Outcomes of Ambulatory Patients With Reduced (≤40%) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Treated in a Community-Based, Dedicated Heart Failure Clinic Versus Treated Elsewhere

We sought to examine the management and outcomes of ambulatory patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in a community-based, dedicated clinic. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% were actively solicited to attend a community-based, dedicated clinic. Eligible patients who chose to decline constituted our control group. Of 552 patients with LVEF ≤40% (median age 73 years and median LVEF 35%), 304 (55%) agreed to attend the clinic. Patients with worse New York Heart Association class were more likely to attend the clinic (odds ratio 2.07 [1.45, 2.95], p <0.001), whereas women were more likely to decline (odds ratio 0.63 [0.42, 0.93], p <0.022). During 18 months of follow-up, patients in the dedicated clinic significantly improved their functional capacity (56% New York Heart Association 3 to 4 at baseline vs 27% at follow-up, p <0.001) and LVEF (35% [interquartile range 25, 35] at baseline vs 35% (interquartile range 30, 40) at follow-up, p <0.001). In comparison with patients managed routinely, patients treated in a dedicated clinic achieved better guideline-recommended pharmacological treatment (65% vs 85% receiving β blockers, p <0.001, 65% vs 82% receiving renin-angiotensin inhibitors, p = 0.0006, 31% vs 45% receiving mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, p <0.001). During follow-up, electrical device implantation was similar (6% vs 7% of dedicated-HF-clinic patients, p = 0.700). Furthermore, overall survival was better in patients treated in the clinic (log rank p = 0.0006), even after censoring the first 4 months to account for potential bias (log rank p = 0.0232). In conclusion, management in a community-based, dedicated clinic compared with routine management was associated with augmented guideline-recommended treatment and improved survival.

[Efficacy of a multidisciplinary care management program for patients admitted at hospital because of heart failure (ProMIC)]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of the ProMIC, multidisciplinary program for patients admitted at hospital because of heart failure (HF) programme, in reducing the HF-related readmission rate.

DESING

Quasi-experimental research with control group.

SETTINGS

Twelve primary health care centres and 3 hospitals from the Basque Country.

PARTICIPANTS

Aged 40 years old or above patients admitted for HF with a New York Heart Association functional class II to IV.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients in the intervention group carried out the ProMIC programme, a structured clinical intervention based on clinical guidelines and on the chronic care model. Control group received usual care.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The rate of readmission for HF and health-related quality of life RESULTS: One hundred fifty five patients were included in ProMIC group and 129 in control group. 45 rehospitalisation due to heart failure happened in ProMIC versus 75 in control group (adjusted hazard ratio=0.59, CI 95%: 0.36-0.98; P=.049). There were significant differences in specific quality of life al 6 months. No significant differences were found in rehospitalisation due to all causes, due to cardiovascular causes, visits to emergency room, mortality, the combined variable of these events, the functional capacity or quality of life at 12 months of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

ProMIC reduces significantly heart failure rehospitalisation and improve quality of life al 6 months of follow up. No significant differences were found in the rests of variables.

Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Background

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high rate of readmissions within 30 days post-discharge and in the following year, especially in frail elderly patients. Biomarker data are scarce in this high-risk population. This study assessed the value of early post-discharge circulating levels of ST2, NT-proBNP, CA125, and hs-TnI for predicting 30-day and 1-year outcomes in comorbid frail elderly patients with HF with mainly preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

Blood samples were obtained at the first visit shortly after discharge (4.9 ± 2 days). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or HF-related rehospitalization at 30 days and at 1 year. All-cause mortality alone at one year was also a major endpoint. HF-related rehospitalizations alone were secondary end-points.

Results

From February 2014 to November 2016, 522 consecutive patients attending the STOP-HF Clinic were included (57.1% women, age 82 ± 8.7 years, mean Barthel index 70 ± 25, mean Charlson comorbidity index 5.6 ± 2.2). The composite endpoint occurred in 8.6% patients at 30 days and in 38.5% at 1 year. In multivariable analysis, ST2 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.53; 95% CI 1.19–1.97; p = 0.001] was the only predictive biomarker at 30 days; at 1 year, both ST2 (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.15–1.56; p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (HR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02–1.40; p = 0.03) remained significant. The addition of ST2 and NT-proBNP into a clinical predictive model increased the AUC from 0.70 to 0.75 at 30 days (p = 0.02) and from 0.71 to 0.74 at 1 year (p < 0.05). For all-cause death at 1 year, ST2 (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.26–1.80; p < 0.001), and CA125 (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.21–1.63; p < 0.001) remained independent predictors in multivariable analysis. The addition of ST2 and CA125 into a clinical predictive model increased the AUC from 0.74 to 0.78 (p = 0.03). For HF-related hospitalizations, ST2 was the only predictive biomarker in multivariable analyses, both at 30 days and at 1 year.

Conclusions

In a comorbid frail elderly population with HFpEF, ST2 outperformed NT-proBNP for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality or HF-related rehospitalization. ST2, a surrogate marker of inflammation and fibrosis, may be a better predictive marker in high-risk HFpEF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-018-0807-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

RECALMIN II. Eight years of hospitalisation in Internal Medicine Units (2007-2014). What has changed?

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the evolution of care provided by the internal medicine units (IMU) of the Spanish National Health System from 2007 to 2014.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analysed all discharges from the IMU of the Spanish National Health System in 2007 and 2014, using the Minimum Basic Data Set. We compared the risk factors by episode, mortality and readmissions between the two periods. We prepared specific fits for the risk for mortality and readmissions in heart failure, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as the Charlson index for all activity.

RESULTS

Discharges from the IMU between the two periods increased 14%. The average patient age increased by 2.8 years (71.2±17.1 vs. 74±16.2; p<.001), with a marked increase in comorbidity (Charlson index, 4±3.7 vs. 4.7±3.9; p<.001; 24% increase in risk factors per episode). The adjusted mortality rates decreased slight but significantly, with a slight increase in readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

During the analysed period, there was an increase of almost 3 years in the mean age of patients treated in the IMU of the Spanish National Health System, with a marked increase in comorbidity. These results should lead to a more appropriate assignment of nurse workloads and an increased implementation of good practices in clinical management.