Charlene D Whitaker-Brown1, Stephanie J Woods2, Judith B Cornelius2, Erik Southard3, Sanjeev K Gulati4. 1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute's Heart Success Clinic, Carolinas Medical Center-Main, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, USA. Electronic address: cdwhitak@uncc.edu. 2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. 3. Indiana State University, College of Nursing, Health, & Human Services, Landsbaum Center 217, 200 North Seventh Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA. 4. Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute's Heart Success Clinic, Carolinas Medical Center-Main, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, USA.
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.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to pilot the feasibility and impact of a 4-week transition-to-care program on quality of life for heart failurepatients. BACKGROUND: The transition from the acute care to the outpatient setting has been shown to be a critical time with heart failurepatients. 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 failurepatients 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 failurepatients.
Authors: Birna Bjarnason-Wehrens; R Nebel; K Jensen; M Hackbusch; M Grilli; S Gielen; B Schwaab; B Rauch Journal: Eur J Prev Cardiol Date: 2019-06-08 Impact factor: 7.804