Readmission rates of heart failure patients

Abstract

Over 18% of patients with Heart Failure (HF) are readmitted to the hospital within one month after discharge (Babayan et al., 2003), because patients lack the knowledge of self-care behaviors that will increase compliance and reduce readmission. A program on self-care behaviors for HF patients may assist them to manage complications and prevent readmission. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in self-care behaviors and readmission rates over time of HF patients that vary with type of patient education program. Orem's Theory of Self-Care Deficit will be the framework of the study, using the concepts of self-care agency and basic conditioning factors (BCF's). This quasi-experimental study will use a post-test only design. The study will take place in at Kettering Hospital. The anticipated convenience sample will consist of 40 CHF patients divided into two groups; one group that has a traditional program (control group) and the other group that has an enhanced self-care program. Both groups will complete a post-test regarding self-care at six months and one year. Readmission rates between the two groups will be examined at six months and one year as well. Permission will be obtained from the Ball State University Institutional Review Board and Kettering Hospital. Findings will provide information about the impact of self-care behavior on hospital readmission rates.