A tailored message intervention on heart failure readmission rates, qualityof [i.e. quality of] life, and benefit and barrier beliefs in persons with heart failure

Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic condition that requires lifestyle changes. Capitation rates require early discharge with minimal time for patient education. Follow-up education may decrease readmission to the hospital and improve quality of life (Sethers & Elliott, 2006). The purpose of this study is to examine differences in hospital readmission rates, quality of life, beliefs and perceived benefits and barriers to compliance with self care for HF over time following a tailored invention program. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is the framework (Janz & Becker, 1974). The sample will include 75 CHF patients selected from three hospitals in a Midwestern community. A tailored message intervention program will be offered at discharge, at 3 and 6 months, and 1 year following discharge. Measurement of readmission rates of the group will be collected at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Quality of life will be measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHF). The Health Beliefs scale (Bennett & Sauve, 2003) will measure beliefs, barriers and benefits to self-care. Readmission rates will be recorded by episode. The study will provide information for health care providers to develop a post-hospital discharge education program for the HF patient to improve the quality of life by addressing perceived barriers and benefits to compliance at discharge, therefore prevent hospital re-admissions.