2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - Heart Failure Accreditation-1. A Nurse-driven Heart Failure Clinic Reduces Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions

1. A Nurse-driven Heart Failure Clinic Reduces Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions

Pdf Summary

The heart failure (HF) population is projected to increase to 8 million people by 2030. In 2018, the American College of Cardiology reported low rates of discharge follow-up appointments. To address this issue and improve overall treatment plans, a nurse-driven clinic was established to support HF patients during transition of care. Patients were referred by hospitalists, emergency medicine, and primary care physicians, and were scheduled for six post-discharge clinic visits. Each patient was provided with a HF Tool Kit and received education on HF disease process, daily weights, blood pressure, medication compliance, diet, and exercise.<br /><br />The results of the program showed a 42% increase in documented follow-up appointments at discharge. Since 2021, 100 patients have completed the clinic program, and those who completed the six post-discharge visits had a low readmission rate of 3%. The nurse-driven HF clinic program resulted in approximately $756,000 in savings for Sovah Health - Martinsville. The cost of HF admission ranges from $8,340 to $11,366 per admission and can increase to $31,493 for patients with comorbidities. HF readmission costs range from $15,618 to $25,264 per patient.<br /><br />Overall, the nurse-driven HF clinic resulted in a 37% reduction in HF readmissions, leading to substantial cost savings. Additionally, patients reported gaining knowledge and feeling empowered to take control of their own healthcare. This study highlights the effectiveness of a nurse-driven clinic in improving self-management and reducing readmissions for HF patients.

Keywords

heart failure

population increase

discharge follow-up appointments

nurse-driven clinic

transition of care

post-discharge clinic visits

HF Tool Kit

education

readmission rate

savings