The Prevention of Hospital Readmissions in Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a growing healthcare burden and one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and readmission. Preventing readmissions for HF patients is an increasing priority for clinicians, researchers, and various stakeholders. The following review will discuss the interventions found to reduce readmissions for patients and improve hospital performance on the 30-day readmission process measure. While evidence-based therapies for HF management have proliferated, the consistent implementation of these therapies and development of new strategies to more effectively prevent readmissions remain areas for continued improvement.

Keywords: Heart failure; Prevention; Process measures; Readmission.

Fig 1

Secular trends for length of stay, discharge disposition, and unadjusted mortality and 30-day all-cause readmission rates in Medicare fee-for-service patients hospitalized for heart failure between 1993 and 2006.

Fig 2

Risks (hazard ratios) of first readmission to hospital and death for one year after hospitalization for heart failure (Medicare 2008–2010).

Fig 3

Kaplan–Meier cumulative mortality curve for all-cause mortality after each subsequent hospitalization for HF.

Fig 4

Targeted intervention model.