2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - Heart Failure Accreditation-2. Heart Failure Clinic Follow-Up Appointment Scheduled Prior to Discharge

2. Heart Failure Clinic Follow-Up Appointment Scheduled Prior to Discharge

Pdf Summary

The research poster presentation discusses the implementation of a quality improvement initiative to improve patient outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients. The lack of follow-up care for discharged HF patients resulted in decreased compliance and increased readmissions. The goal of the project was to increase referrals and utilization of the Glickman Cardiac Care Clinic for HF patients. The organization aimed to decrease readmissions and improve overall patient outcomes.<br /><br />The project involved several steps. First, a report was created to identify all currently hospitalized HF patients. The report was then used by HF clinic staff and coordinators to identify patients appropriate for clinic referral. The staff would contact admitting physicians to request referrals if needed. They would also provide bedside education to in-patients and schedule a follow-up appointment within 14 days of discharge.<br /><br />The value proposition of the project emphasized the cost of HF in the United States and the importance of coordinated care in improving patient compliance and reducing hospitalizations. Ensuring timely follow-up appointments post-discharge was shown to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The project aimed to establish an accredited heart failure care coordination to continually improve processes and provide high-quality evidence-based care.<br /><br />The results of the project were promising. Over a six-month period, the goal of increasing referrals and utilization of the cardiac care clinic was exceeded. As of April 2022, 72% of HF admissions were discharged with a scheduled follow-up appointment. The project also showed a significant decrease in the 30-day HF readmission rate for patients who followed up in the HF clinic.<br /><br />The methodology of the project involved using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle to identify gaps in the existing process and develop an action plan. The multi-disciplinary HF committee played a crucial role in implementing the project.<br /><br />Overall, the project successfully improved follow-up care for HF patients, leading to better patient outcomes and lower readmission rates. The organization's next plan is to address difficulties with certain insurance providers to ensure equitable care for all patients.

Keywords

quality improvement initiative

patient outcomes

heart failure patients

follow-up care

readmissions

Glickman Cardiac Care Clinic

referrals

coordinated care

bedside education

30-day HF readmission rate