B-AB05-03 A SAME DAY DISCHARGE STRATEGY AFTER ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION THAT IS OVERSEEN BY ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CAN BE INITIATED SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY

Abstract

Same day discharge (SDD) after an AF ablation can have many benefits, including reduced resource utilization and improved patient (pt) satisfaction. Allied health professionals (AHPs) can play an important role in SDD. To develop a strategy of SDD after an AF ablation that is overseen by AHPs. All pts undergoing first case AF ablation were considered for SDD at the discretion of the operator. Post ablation management of the pt was overseen by the cardiac arrhythmia AHP who made the discharge decision. All SDD pts received a BP and rhythm monitor for home use. A virtual visit was performed the following day to discuss the objective findings. Between Dec 2020-Feb 2021, 67 pts underwent first case AF ablation, and 20/67 (29%) were identified prior to the procedure as an intended same day discharge (IDC). Characteristics of IDC vs. non-IDC included Age 60.1 vs. 64.2yrs, BMI 28.0 vs. 29, EF 56.9 vs 54%, Mean CHADs2-VASc 2.1 vs. 2.3 (p=ns for all comparisons). SDD was successful in 12/20 (60% of IDC). There were no significant differences in the successful vs. failed SDD groups (Age 58.7 vs. 64.0, BMI 27.7 vs. 28.5, EF 56.1 vs. 57.9, CHADS2-VASc 1.6 vs 2.75, p=ns). Reasons for failure of SDD were all minor and included medication reactions, minor groin bleeding and inability to void. The SDD group had no serious adverse events and no hospital re-admissions within 30 days. An AF ablation SDD strategy overseen by AHPs can be safely and effectively initiated. A virtual visit component to SDD planning may have played a role in reducing readmissions. Further analysis of the benefits of this strategy including resource utilization and cost savings is warranted.