Abstract P096: Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Care Delivery System on Readmission Rates and Self-Care in Older Adult Patients with Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine interventions to prevent readmissions in patients with heart failure (HF) have shown inconsistent results in their effectiveness on HF-related and all-cause rehospitalization. Team-based interventions geared toward patient-centric care delivery in concert with comprehensive care coordination that enhances patient self-care may help to prevent unplanned hospitalizations in patients with HF. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of a comprehensive care delivery system using a team-based high-touch coaching and remote patient monitoring intervention designed for older adult patients with heart failure in a community hospital setting. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional observational design was used to measure readmission rates. A one-group pretest-posttest design using the Self-care of Heart Failure Index was used to measure self-care outcomes. Correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between the coaching and outcomes. Patients: Participants were older adult patient hospitalized with heart failure and followed for 30-days. Patients were excluded if they were unwilling to participate, non- English speaking, had end-stage renal disease, a terminal illness, debilitating neuro-psychological disorder, or lived greater than 30 miles away. Results: The 30-patients were primarily Caucasian, female with a mean age of 77.5 years. The majority of patients had medically optimized NYHA class II or III HF with an ejection fraction ≤ 40%. HF readmission rate was zero, and 6% for all cause. Patient self-care scores improved (p < .0001). Team based coaching was correlated with improvement in self-care maintenance scores (p =.009). Conclusion: A comprehensive care delivery system leveraging remote patient monitoring and health coaching significantly reduced 30-day readmission and enhanced patient self-care management. Implications: Patient centric team based care models leveraging technology should continue to be developed and implemented to transform care delivery for older adults with HF. Table 1. Change in Mean Self-Care of Heart Failure Index Scores p < .0001 p < .0001 p < .0001