An evaluation of the effectiveness of a post discharge telephone program to decrease hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure

Abstract

<p>The goal of this quality improvement pilot project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a post discharge telephone program to decrease 30-day hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure at one acute care hospital in Ohio. The pilot project evaluated data collected on medication reconciliation, confirmed follow up appointment, a patient medication regime, and a patient's understanding of discharge instructions through the intervention of a post discharge phone call. Thirteen patients participated; one patient had a 30-day readmission to the hospital.&nbsp; The pilot demonstrated an impact to reducing readmissions in the high-risk population and identified opportunity to improve the care transition with scheduling outpatient follow up appointments and medication education prior to discharge. Consequently, recommendations were made to continue the program and to implement additional components of evidenced based practice related to improving the discharge process.</p>