Reducing heart failure 30-day readmissions: Results of implementation of best practices

2^nd International Conference on Nursing & Healthcare

November 17-19, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore Conference Center, USA

Sandra Oliver-McNeil

Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes for hospital admissions, with approximately 870 000 annual hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions rates of 19.6%. The cost of HF treatment is increasing, and CMS is placing increasing pressure on institutions to reduce length of stay and 30-day readmissions. 30-day HF readmissions can be reduced if multiple interventions are implemented, including 7 day follow up. The processes in which to implement multiple HF evidence based strategies and assure 7 day follow up can be a challenge for hospitals. Twelve (urban and suburban) area hospitals in a Midwest state agreed to participate in a multisystem collaborative (CH) between May 1, 2012 and March 30, 2013 to implement evidence based strategies to reduce 30 day readmissions. A process matrix was developed to assist CH to identify goals for improvement. Through 4 in-person meeting and 8 webinars, 12 learning sessions were designed to focus on one or more of 6 process metrics based on CH needs and experiences. A comparison of Medicare Fee-for Service beneficiaries? 30-day readmission included claims data collected between May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 of participating hospitals, and May 1, 2012 through March 30, 2013 of state wide non-participating hospitals. Bringing together hospitals from multiple healthcare systems within a region to share best practice can improve 7 day follow up and reduce HF 30 day readmissions. Implementation evidence based strategies required a team commitment from both staff and physicians.