Whitaker-Brown CD, Woods SJ, Cornelius JB, Southard E, Gulati SK. Improving quality of life and decreasing readmissions in heart failure patients in a multidisciplinary transition-to-care clinic.
Heart Lung 2016;
46:79-84. [PMID:
28034562 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrtlng.2016.11.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The purpose was to pilot the feasibility and impact of a 4-week transition-to-care program on quality of life for heart failure patients.
BACKGROUND
The transition from the acute care to the outpatient setting has been shown to be a critical time with heart failure patients.
METHODS
A pre- and post-test design was used. Quality of Life, measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and hospital readmissions were the outcomes. A convenience sample of 50 persons was recruited into a multidisciplinary transition-to-care program for heart failure patients following hospitalization. Thirty-six (72%) completed the study.
RESULTS
There was a significant improvement in quality of life. Men reported greater improvement in physical symptoms and less emotional distress when compared to women. Only 2 participants were readmitted within 30 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Study findings support improved quality of life and decreased readmission rates following a multidisciplinary transition-to care program for heart failure patients.
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