Standardizing Heart Failure Discharges: Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates

Problem Statement: Patients readmitted with heart failure (HF) suffer increased mortality, reduced quality of life, and heightened medical expenses, though most readmissions are preventable with a consistent HF discharge regimen. Purpose: To determine if a consistent HF discharge regimen using an evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool, including standardized HF education and a scheduled follow-up appointment with their cardiologist within 7-10 days post-discharge, impacted HF 30-day readmission rates. Methods: An evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool was placed on participants’ charts on the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and utilized by the PCU nurses to standardize HF discharges. Inclusion Criteria: The study included participants with a primary diagnosis of HF upon admission and patients from a local cardiology practice. The intervention standardized HF discharges on the PCU through an evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool. Analysis: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-intervention and post-intervention HF readmission rates. The number of patients admitted to the PCU included in the HF readmission data, the percentage of HF discharge checklist tools completed compared to HF admissions, the percentage of patients that received standardized HF education, and the percentage of patients who were scheduled and kept follow-up appointments were measured. Implications for Practice: Standardizing HF discharges through a discharge checklist tool can reduce HF readmissions, minimize hospital expenditures, reduce patient mortality, and increase the quality of life for patients with HF.