Impact of Early Telephone Follow-up in Recently Discharged Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Background: Due to the vulnerability of the heart failure population and the economical burden on the healthcare system, legislature introduced a program addressing heart failure readmissions. Close outpatient follow-up has been identified as a primary means of prevention.|Purpose: To evaluate the impact of follow-up in the heart failure population post-discharge from the acute care setting.|Sample/Setting: This project took place in an urban Midwest, 116-bed hospital including adults discharged home with the primary diagnosis of heart failure.|Methods: Formulated as a quality improvement project, a telephone call was utilized to conduct a questionnaire addressing adherence and barriers. Data was disseminated to patients’ outpatient providers.|Results: Thirteen of the 20 participants received the intervention with two patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge (15.4%). The remaining seven unable to be contacted for follow-up had a 37.5% readmission rate. There was a decrease in 30-day readmission rates among the intervention group in comparison to retrospective analysis, with 11% and 12.7% respectively. All respondent providers believed this tool positively affected outcomes, facilitated follow-up, and assisted in formulating management plans.|Conclusion: Utilizing a follow-up telephone call improves outcomes and positively impacts the provider’s ability to individualize and formulate an appropriate care plan.