Improving quality of life and decreasing readmissions in heart failure patients in a multidisciplinary transition-to-care clinic.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to pilot the feasibility and impact of a 4-week transition-to-care program on quality of life for heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: The transition from the acute care to the outpatient setting has been shown to be a critical time with heart failure patients.

METHODS: A pre- and post-test design was used. Quality of Life, measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and hospital readmissions were the outcomes. A convenience sample of 50 persons was recruited into a multidisciplinary transition-to-care program for heart failure patients following hospitalization. Thirty-six (72%) completed the study.

RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in quality of life. Men reported greater improvement in physical symptoms and less emotional distress when compared to women. Only 2 participants were readmitted within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support improved quality of life and decreased readmission rates following a multidisciplinary transition-to care program for heart failure patients.