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. 2017 Mar-Apr;46(2):79-84.
doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2016.11.003. Epub 2016 Dec 27.

Improving quality of life and decreasing readmissions in heart failure patients in a multidisciplinary transition-to-care clinic

Charlene D Whitaker-Brown  1 , Stephanie J Woods  2 , Judith B Cornelius  2 , Erik Southard  3 , Sanjeev K Gulati  4
Affiliations

Improving quality of life and decreasing readmissions in heart failure patients in a multidisciplinary transition-to-care clinic

Charlene D Whitaker-Brown et al. Heart Lung. 2017 Mar-Apr.

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.

Keywords: Heart failure; Hospitalization; Quality of life; Readmissions; Transition-to-care.

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