Reduced Readmission and Increased Patient Satisfaction in Post-Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation: A Randomized Pilot Study.

Abstract

Hospital readmissions within 30 days post-cardiac arrhythmia ablation are typically related to postoperative complications and arrhythmia recurrence and considered mostly preventable. To evaluate the impact of a cardiac ablation patient education program on hospital readmissions and patient satisfaction. An education intervention was established for patients who underwent cardiac ablation based on the Project RED framework. Hospital readmissions rates 30 days postprocedure and satisfaction via a single-blinded posttest design were assessed to evaluate the program. Those in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of 30-day readmissions (7.1% vs 53.3%, P = .014). A large magnitude of effect and higher total patient satisfaction scores were also seen in the intervention group ( M = 633, SD = 78) than in the control group ( M = 508, SD = 137, P = .005). Results of this study support the implementation of an enhanced cardiac arrhythmia patient education intervention with consideration of identified facilitators and barriers.