Comparative effectiveness of transitional care services in patients discharged from the hospital with heart failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Narrative synthesis of the effectiveness and characteristics of heart failure disease self-management support programmes

A deeper understanding of the key elements that should be included in heart failure (HF) disease self-management support (DSMS) programmes is crucial to enhance programme effectiveness and applicability to diverse settings. We investigated the characteristics and effectiveness of DSMS programmes designed to improve survival and decrease acute care readmissions for people with HF and determine the generalizability and applicability of the evidence to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A narrative meta-synthesis approach was used, and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DSMS programmes were included. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched without language restriction and guided by the adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Eight high-quality systematic reviews were identified representing 250 studies, of which 138 were unique RCTs measuring the outcomes of interest. The findings revealed statistically significant reductions in HF readmissions [relative risk (RR) range 0.64-0.85, P < 0.5, five out of six reviews], all-cause readmissions (RR range 0.85-0.95, P < 0.5, five out of six reviews), and all-cause mortality (RR range 0.67-0.87, P < 0.5, five out of five reviews). Overall, 44.2% (n = 61) of RCTs reduced acute care readmission and improved survival. Studies were categorized according to intensity (low, moderate, moderate+, and high) based on the opportunity for immediate treatment of HF instability; 29.2% (14/48) of low-intensity, 63.6% (21/33) of moderate-intensity, 40% (6/15) of moderate+-intensity, and 47.6% (20/42) of high-intensity interventions were effective. Most effective programmes used moderate-intensity (39.4%, 48%, or 50%, respectively) or high-intensity (33.3%, 36%, and 43.7%, respectively) interventions. The majority of studies (90.6%) were conducted in high-income countries. Programmes that provided opportunities for early recognition and response to HF instability were more likely to reduce acute care readmission and enhance survival. Generalizability and applicability to LMICs are clearly limited. Tailoring HF DSMS programmes to accommodate cultural, resource, and environmental challenges requires careful consideration of intervention intensity, duration of follow-up, and feasibility in low-resource settings.

The management of heart failure in Sweden-the physician's perspective: a survey

Aims

To assess the barriers to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) use in heart failure (HF), diagnostic workup and general knowledge about HF among physicians in Sweden.

Methods

A survey about the management of HF was sent to 828 Swedish physicians including general practitioners (GPs) and specialists during 2021-2022. Answers were reported as percentages and comparisons were made by specialty (GPs vs. specialists).

Results

One hundred sixty-eight physicians participated in the survey (40% females, median age 43 years; 41% GPs and 59% specialists). Electrocardiography and New York Heart Association class evaluations are mostly performed once a year by GPs (46%) and at every outpatient visit by specialists (40%). Echocardiography is mostly requested if there is clinical deterioration (60%). One-third of participants screen for iron deficiency only if there is anemia. Major obstacles to implementation of different drug classes in HF with reduced ejection fraction are related to side effects, with no significant differences between specialties. Device implantation is deemed appropriate regardless of aetiology (69%) and patient age (86%). Specialists answered correctly to knowledge questions more often than GPs. Eighty-six percent of participants think that GDMT should be implemented as much as possible. Most participants (57%) believe that regular patient assessment in nurse-led HF clinics improve adherence to GDMT.

Conclusion

Obstacles to GDMT implementation according to physicians in Sweden mainly relate to potential side effects, lack of specialist knowledge and organizational aspects. Further efforts should be placed in educational activities and structuring of nurse-led clinics.

Association of a Transitional Heart Failure Management Program With Readmission and End-of-Life Care in Rural Japan

Background: Evidence on transitional care for heart failure (HF) in Japan is limited. Methods and Results: We implemented a transitional HF management program in rural Japan in 2019. This involved collaboration with general practitioners or nursing care facilities and included symptom monitoring by medical/nursing staff using a handbook; standardized discharge care planning and information sharing on self-care and advance care planning using a collaborative sheet; and sharing expertise on HF management via manuals. We compared the outcomes within 1 year of discharge among patients hospitalized with HF in the 2 years before program implementation (2017-2018; historical control, n=198), in the first 2 years after program implementation (2019-2020; Intervention Phase 1, n=205), and in the second 2 years, following program revision and regional dissemination (2021-2022; Intervention Phase 2, n=195). HF readmission rates gradually decreased over Phases 1 and 2 (P<0.05). This association was consistent regardless of physician expertise, follow-up institution, or the use of nursing care services (P>0.1 for interaction). Mortality rates remained unchanged, but significantly more patients received end-of-life care at home in Phase 2 than before (P<0.05). Conclusions: The implementation of a transitional care program was associated with decreased HF readmissions and increased end-of-life care at home for HF patients in rural Japan.

Contemporary American and European Guidelines for Heart Failure Management: JACC: Heart Failure Guideline Comparison

This review serves to compare contemporary clinical practice recommendations for the management of heart failure (HF), as codified in the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline, the 2022 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA)/Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) guideline, and the 2023 focused update of the 2021 ESC document. Overall, these guidelines aim to solidify significant advances throughout the HF continuum since the publication of previous full guideline iterations (2013 and 2016 for the ACC/AHA and ESC, respectively). All guidelines provide new recommendations for an increasingly complex landscape of HF care, with focus on primary HF prevention, HF stages, rapid initiation and optimization of evidence-based pharmacotherapies, overlapping cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities, device-based therapies, and management pathways for special groups of patients, including those with cardiac amyloidosis. Importantly, the ACC/AHA/HFSA document features special emphasis on HF risk prediction and screening, cost/value, social determinants of health, and health care disparities. The review discusses major similarities and differences between these recent guidelines and guideline updates, as well as their potential downstream implications for clinical care.

Clinical impact of remote heart failure management using the multiparameter ICD HeartLogic alert

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The multiparametric implantable cardioverter-defibrillator HeartLogic index has proven to be a sensitive and timely predictor of impending heart failure (HF) decompensation. We evaluated the impact of a standardized follow-up protocol implemented by nursing staff and based on remote management of alerts.

METHODS

The algorithm was activated in HF patients at 19 Spanish centers. Transmitted data were analyzed remotely, and patients were contacted by telephone if alerts were issued. Clinical actions were implemented remotely or through outpatient visits. The primary endpoint consisted of HF hospitalizations or death. Secondary endpoints were HF outpatient visits. We compared the 12-month periods before and after the adoption of the protocol.

RESULTS

We analyzed 392 patients (aged 69±10 years, 76% male, 50% ischemic cardiomyopathy) with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (20%) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (80%). The primary endpoint occurred 151 times in 86 (22%) patients during the 12 months before the adoption of the protocol, and 69 times in 45 (11%) patients (P<.001) during the 12 months after its adoption. The mean number of hospitalizations per patient was 0.39±0.89 pre- and 0.18±0.57 postadoption (P<.001). There were 185 outpatient visits for HF in 96 (24%) patients before adoption and 64 in 48 (12%) patients after adoption (P<.001). The mean number of visits per patient was 0.47±1.11 pre- and 0.16±0.51 postadoption (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized follow-up protocol based on remote management of HeartLogic alerts enabled effective remote management of HF patients. After its adoption, we observed a significant reduction in HF hospitalizations and outpatient visits.

conTemporary reflectiOns regarding heart failure manaGEmenT - How to ovERcome the PorTuguese barriers (TOGETHER-PT)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that is a significant burden in hospitalisations, morbidity, and mortality. Although a significant effort has been made to better understand its consequences and current barriers in its management, there are still several gaps to address. The present work aimed to identify the views of a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals on HF awareness and literacy, diagnosis, treatment and organization of care, identifying current challenges and providing insights into the future.

METHODS

A steering committee was established, including members of the Heart Failure Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (GEIC-SPC), the Heart Failure Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine (NEIC-SPMI) and the Cardiovascular Study Group (GEsDCard) of the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine (APMGF). This steering committee produced a 16-statement questionnaire regarding different HF domains that was answered to by a diversified group of 152 cardiologists, internists, general practitioners, and nurses with an interest or dedicated to HF using a five-level Likert scale. Full agreement was defined as ≥80% of level 5 (fully agree) responses.

RESULTS

Globally, consensus was achieved in all but one of the 16 statements. Full agreement was registered in seven statements, namely 3 of 4 statements for patient education and HF awareness and 2 in 4 statements of both HF diagnosis and healthcare organization, with proportions of fully agree responses ranging from 82.9% to 96.7%. None of the HF treatment statements registered full agreement but 3 of 4 achieved ≥80% of level 4 (agree) responses.

CONCLUSION

This document aims to be a call-to-action to improve HF patients' quality of life and prognosis, by promoting a change in HF care in Portugal.

Review of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on chronic heart failure

Guidelines are more accessible than ever and represent an important tool in clinical practice. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has developed recommendations for heart failure diagnosis and management based not only on morbidity and mortality trial outcome data but also in-depth economic analysis, with a focus on generalisability to UK National Health Service clinical practice. There is broad consistency in structure and content between NICE guidelines and those produced by major cardiovascular organisations such as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. However, important differences do exist-largely attributable to publication timing-a factor that is enhanced by the rapid pace of heart failure research. This article reviews the most recent iteration of NICE chronic heart failure guidelines and compares them with major guidelines on an international scale. Variations in recommendations will be explored including implications for NICE guideline updates in the future.

Effect of a transitional care model following hospitalization for heart failure: 3-year outcomes of the Patient-Centered Care Transitions in Heart Failure (PACT-HF) randomized controlled trial

AIMS

Patients are at high risk of death or readmission following hospitalization for heart failure (HF). We tested the effect of a transitional care model that included month-long nurse-led home visits and long-term heart function clinic visits - with services titrated to estimated risk of clinical events - on 3-year outcomes following hospitalization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial, 10 hospitals were randomized to the intervention versus usual care. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, readmission, or emergency department (ED) visit. Secondary outcomes included components of the primary composite outcomes, HF readmissions and healthcare resource utilization. There were 2494 patients (50.4% female) with mean age of 77.7 years. The primary outcome was reached in 1040 (94.2%) patients in the intervention and 1314 (94.5%) in the usual care group at 3 years. The intervention did not reduce the risk of the primary composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81-1.05) nor the component outcomes overall, although numerically reduced the risk of ED visits in women but not men (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.00 vs. HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80-1.19; sex-treatment interaction p = 0.23). The uptake of guideline-directed medical therapy was no different with the intervention than with usual care, with the exception of sacubitril/valsartan, which increased with the intervention (3.3% vs 1.5%; relative risk 6.2, 95% CI 1.92-20.06).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 9 of 10 patients hospitalized for HF experienced all-cause death, readmission, or ED visit at 3 years. A transitional care model with services titrated to risk did not improve the composite of these endpoints, likely because there were no major differences in uptake of medical therapies between the groups.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02112227.

Cost of Cardiovascular Disease Event and Cardiovascular Disease Treatment-Related Complication Hospitalizations in the United States

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is among the costliest conditions in the United States, and cost-effectiveness analyses can be used to assess economic impact and prioritize CVD treatments. We aimed to develop standardized, nationally representative CVD events and selected possible CVD treatment-related complication hospitalization costs for use in cost-effectiveness analyses.

METHODS

Nationally representative costs were derived using publicly available inpatient hospital discharge data from the 2012-2018 National Inpatient Sample. Events were identified using the principal International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. Facility charges were converted to costs using charge-to-cost ratios, and total costs were estimated by applying a published professional fee ratio. All costs are reported in 2021 US dollars. Mean costs were estimated for events overall and stratified by age, sex, and survival status at discharge. Annual costs to the US health care system were estimated by multiplying the mean annual number of events by the mean total cost per discharge.

RESULTS

The annual mean number of hospital discharges among CVD events was the highest for heart failure (1 087 000 per year) and cerebrovascular disease (800 600 per year). The mean cost per hospital discharge was the highest for peripheral vascular disease ($33 700 [95% CI, $33 300-$34 000]) and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation ($32 500 [95% CI, $32 100-$32 900]). Hospitalizations contributing the most to annual US health care costs were heart failure ($19 500 [95% CI, $19 300-$19 800] million) and acute myocardial infarction ($18 300, [95% CI, $18 200-$18 500] million). Acute kidney injury was the most frequent possible treatment complication (515 000 per year), and bradycardia had the highest mean hospitalization costs ($17 400 [95% CI, $17 200-$17 500]).

CONCLUSIONS

The hospitalization cost estimates and statistical code reported in the current study have the potential to increase transparency and comparability of cost-effectiveness analyses for CVD in the United States.

Impact of nurse-led education on the prognosis of heart failure patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of nurse-led education on death, readmission, and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND

The evidence of the effectiveness of nurse-led education in heart failure patients from randomized controlled trials is limited, and the results are inconsistent. Therefore, the impact of nurse-led education remains poorly understood, and more rigorous studies are needed.

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is a syndrome associated with high morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmission. Authorities advocate nurse-led education to raise awareness of disease progression and treatment planning, as this could improve patients' prognosis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to May 2022 to retrieve relevant studies. The primary outcomes were readmission rate (all-cause or HF-related) and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was quality of life, evaluated by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and visual analog scale for quality of life.

RESULTS

Although there was no significant association between the nursing intervention and all-cause readmissions [RR (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.79, 1.06), P = 0.231], the nursing intervention decreased HF-related readmission by 25% [RR (95% CI) = 0.75 (0.58, 0.99), P = 0.039]. The e nursing intervention reduced all-cause readmission or mortality as a composite endpoint by 13% [RR (95% CI) = 0.87 (0.76, 0.99), P = 0.029]. In the subgroup analysis, we found that home nursing visits reduced HF-related readmissions [RR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.37, 0.84), P = 0.005]. In addition, the nursing intervention improved the quality of life in MLHFQ and EQ-5D [standardized mean differences (SMD) (95% CI) = 3.38 (1.10, 5.66), 7.12 (2.54, 11.71), respectively].

DISCUSSION

The outcome variation between studies may be due to reporting methods, comorbidities, and medication management education. Patient outcomes and quality of life may also vary between different educational approaches. Limitations of this meta-analysis stem from the incomplete reporting of information from the original studies, the small sample size, and the inclusion of English language literature only.

CONCLUSION

Nurse-led education programs significantly impact HF-related readmission rates, all-cause readmission, and mortality rates in patients with HF.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND NURSING POLICIES

The results suggest stakeholders should allocate resources to develop nurse-led education programs for HF patients.

Referral Versus Embedded Palliative Care Consultation Among People Hospitalized With Heart Failure: A Report From a Single Center Pilot Program

CONTEXT

Despite calls for integration into routine heart failure (HF) care, optimal palliative care delivery for people living with HF remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Describe an innovative model of an embedded palliative care nurse practitioner (NP) within a HF team. Compare demographics and utilization among people hospitalized with HF receiving referral or embedded consultation.

METHODS

Using an electronic health record-based palliative care registry, we conducted descriptive analyses and t-tests and χ2 tests, as appropriate, to examine bivariate associations between sociodemographic, clinical and utilization data of hospitalized people with HF receiving a traditional, referral-based palliative care consultation generated exclusively by the primary team vs. a novel, embedded-based consultation generated by collaboration between a palliative care NP and the advanced HF team at an urban, quaternary care academic medical center in New York City.

RESULTS

During the study period from January 1, 2019-December 31, 2021, consultation volume nearly doubled with 363 consults from traditional referrals and an additional 317 consults from the newly embedded NP. People in the embedded group, as compared to referral, were younger (mean age: 60.1 vs. 71.9 years (2019); 59.2 vs. 70.4 (2020); 61.3 vs. 69.6 (2021), p-value < 0.001), more functional (median Karnofsky Performance Status: 40% vs. 30%, p-value = 0.01 (2019); 40% vs 20%, p-value < 0.0001 (2020); 40% vs. 20%, p-value = 0.02 (2021)), more likely had capacity to designate a medical decision maker (56.4% vs. 20.6%, p-value < 0.001 (2020); 76.3% vs. 49.5%, p-value < 0.001 (2021)), received earlier consultation (median days before discharge: 9.5 vs. 4 (2019); 11 vs. 5 (2020); 7 vs. 3 (2021), p-value ≤ 0.001), and more likely to discharge home (60% vs. 26%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2019); 62.7% vs 20.6%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2020); 42.3% vs. 28%, p-value = 0.03 (2021)).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized people living with advanced HF who received an embedded palliative care consult were younger, had higher functional status and less illness severity compared to those served by a traditional, referral-based consult.

Consumer and provider perceptions of the specialist unit model of care: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Specialist care units cater to targeted cohorts of patients, applying evidence-based practice to people with a specific condition (e.g., dementia) or meeting other specific criteria (e.g., children). This paper aimed to collate perceptions of local consumers and health providers around specialist care units, as a model of care that may be considered for a new local healthcare facility.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using two-hour workshops and interviews to collect data. Participants were consumers and health providers in the planned facility's catchment: 49 suburbs in metropolitan Australia. Consumers and health providers were recruited through advertisements and emails. An initial survey collected demographic details. Consumers and health providers participated in separate two-hour workshops in which a scenario around the specialist unit model was presented and discussion on benefits, barriers and enablers of the model was led by researchers. Detailed notes were taken for analysis.

RESULTS

Five consumer workshops (n = 22 participants) and five health provider workshops (n = 42) were conducted. Participants were representative of this culturally diverse region. Factors identified by participants as relevant to the specialist unit model of care included: accessibility; a perceived narrow scope of practice; coordination with other services; resources and infrastructure; and awareness and expectations of the units. Some factors identified as risks or barriers when absent were identified as strengths and enablers when present by both groups of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive views of the model centred on the higher perceived quality of care received in the units. Negative views centred on a perceived narrow scope of care and lack of flexibility. Consumers hinted, and providers stated explicitly, that the model needed to be complemented by an integrated model of care model to enable continuity of care and easy transfer of patients into and out of the specialist unit.

Heart Failure Nurses within the Primary Care Setting

Cardiology services within primary care often focus on disease prevention, early identification of illness and prompt referral for diagnosis and specialist treatment. Due to advances in pharmaceuticals, implantable cardiac devices and surgical interventions, individuals with heart failure are living longer, which can place a significant strain on global healthcare resources. Heart failure nurses in a primary care setting offer a wealth of clinical knowledge and expertise across all phases of the heart failure trajectory and are able to support patients, family members and other community services, including general practitioners. This review examines the recently published evidence on the current and potential future practice of heart failure nurses within primary care.

The Impact of Specialised Heart Failure Outpatient Care on the Long-Term Application of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy and on Prognosis in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

(1) Background: Besides the use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), multidisciplinary heart failure (HF) outpatient care (HFOC) is of strategic importance in HFrEF. (2) Methods: Data from 257 hospitalised HFrEF patients between 2019 and 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Application and target doses of GDMT were compared between HFOC and non-HFOC patients at discharge and at 1 year. 1-year all-cause mortality (ACM) and rehospitalisation (ACH) rates were compared using the Cox proportional hazard model. The effect of HFOC on GDMT and on prognosis after propensity score matching (PSM) of 168 patients and the independent predictors of 1-year ACM and ACH were also evaluated. (3) Results: At 1 year, the application of RASi, MRA and triple therapy (TT: RASi + βB + MRA) was higher (p < 0.05) in the HFOC group, as was the proportion of target doses of ARNI, βB, MRA and TT. After PSM, the composite of 1-year ACM or ACH was more favourable with HFOC (propensity-adjusted HR = 0.625, 95% CI = 0.401-0.974, p = 0.038). Independent predictors of 1-year ACM were age, systolic blood pressure, application of TT and HFOC, while 1-year ACH was influenced by the application of TT. (4) Conclusions: HFOC may positively impact GDMT use and prognosis in HFrEF even within the first year of its initiation.

Reducing the hospitalization epidemic of chronic heart failure by disease management programs

Chronic heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization in Europe and rates are steadily increasing due to aging of the population. Hospitalization identifies a fundamental change in the natural history of heart failure (HF) increasing the risk of re-hospitalization and mortality. Heart failure management programs improve the quality of care for HF patients and reduce hospitalization burden. The goals of the heart failure management programs include optimization of drug therapy, patient education, early recognition of signs of decompensation, and management of comorbidities. Randomized clinical trials evidenced that system of care for heart failure patients improved adherence to treatment and reduced unplanned re-admissions to hospital. Multidisciplinary programs and home-visiting have shown improved efficacy with reductions in HF and all-cause hospitalizations and mortality. Community HF clinics should take care of the management of stable patients in strict contact with primary care, while hospital out-patients clinics should care of patients with severe disease or persistent clinical instability, candidates to advanced treatment options. In any case a holistic, patient-centered approach is suggested, to optimize care considering the needs of the individual patient. Telemonitoring is a new opportunity for HF patients, because it allows the continuity of care at home. All heart failure patients should require follow-up in a specific management program, but most of date come from clinical trials that included high-risk patients. While clinical trials have a specified duration (from months to some years), lifelong follow-up is recommended with differentiated approaches according to the patient's need.

The economics of heart failure care

Heart failure (HF) poses a significant economic burden in the US, with costs projected to reach $70 billion by 2030. Cost-effectiveness analyses play a pivotal role in assessing the economic value of HF therapies. In this review, we overview the cost-effectiveness of HF therapies and discuss ways to improve patient access. Based on current costs, guideline directed medical therapies for HF with reduced ejection fraction provide high economic value except for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, which provide intermediate economic value. Combining therapy with the four pillars of medical therapy also has intermediate economic value, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranging from $73,000 to $98,500/ quality adjusted life-years. High economic value procedures include cardiac resynchronization devices, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and coronary artery bypass surgery. In contrast, advanced HF therapies have previously demonstrated intermediate to low economic value, but newer data appear more favorable. Given the affordability challenges of HF therapies, additional efforts are needed to ensure optimal care for patients. The recent Inflation Reduction Act contains provisions to reform policy pertaining to drug price negotiation and out-of-pocket spending, as well as measures to increase access to existing programs, including the Medicare low-income subsidy. On a patient level, it is also important to encourage patient and physician awareness and discussions surrounding medical costs. Overall, a broad approach to improving available therapies and access to care is needed to reduce the growing clinical and economic morbidity of HF.

Developing Multidisciplinary Management of Heart Failure in the Super-Aging Society of Japan

The Japanese population is rapidly aging because of its long life expectancy and low birth rate; additionally, the number of patients with heart failure (HF) is increasing to the extent that HF is now considered a pandemic. According to a recent HF registry study, Japanese patients with HF have both medical and care-related problems. Although hospitalization is used to provide medical services, and institutionalization is used to provide care for frail older adults, it can be difficult to distinguish between them. In this context, multidisciplinary management of HF has become increasingly important in preventing hospital readmissions and maintaining a patient's quality of life. Academia has promoted an increase in the number of certified HF nurses and educators. Researchers have issued numerous guidelines or statements on topics such as cardiac rehabilitation, nutrition, and palliative care, in addition to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic HF. Moreover, the Japanese government has created incentives through various medical and long-term care systems adjustments to increase collaboration between these two fields. This review summarizes current epidemiological registries that focus not only on medical but also care-related problems and the 10 years of multidisciplinary management experience in Japanese medical and long-term care systems.

Acute Heart Failure Is a Malignant Process: But We Can Induce Remission

Acute heart failure is a common and increasingly prevalent condition, affecting >10 million people annually. For those patients who survive to discharge, early readmissions and death rates are >30% everywhere on the planet, making it a malignant condition. Beyond these adverse outcomes, it represents one of the largest drivers of health care costs globally. Studies in the past 2 years have demonstrated that we can induce remissions in this malignant process if therapy is instituted rapidly, at the first acute heart failure episode, using full doses of all available effective medications. Multiple studies have demonstrated that this goal can be achieved safely and effectively. Now the urgent call is for all stakeholders, patients, physicians, payers, politicians, and the public at large to come together to address the gaps in implementation and enable health care providers to induce durable remissions in patients with acute heart failure.

Intensive Case Management to Reduce Hospital Readmissions: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project

PURPOSE OF STUDY

Hospital readmissions burden the U.S. health care system, and they have negative effects on patients and their families. The primary aim of this study was to pilot an intensive case management (ICM) intervention to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions. A secondary aim was to obtain patient- and caregiver-reported reasons for readmission.

PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING

The setting was a vertically integrated health care system located in Northern California.

METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE

This pilot quality improvement project occurred over a 4-month period. The intervention was delivered by master's degree students in nurse case management through an academic-clinical partnership. Patients hospitalized with a 30-day readmission were offered the ICM intervention. A total of 36 patients were identified and 20 accepted. Patient and/or caregiver was interviewed to identify reasons for their readmission. Data were collected about pre-/post-health care utilization including subsequent 30-day readmission. Mixed methods were used to analyze the findings.

RESULTS

Thirteen of 20 enrolled patients received the weekly ICM intervention for at least 30 days. Seven declined further contact before 30 days. Patient-reported reasons for readmission included being discharged too soon, poor communication among providers and with patients/families, lack of understanding about disease management and/or treatment options, and inadequate support. Several patients believed that their readmission was unavoidable due to the complexity of their illnesses. We compared 30-day readmissions for those who participated in and those who declined the ICM intervention, finding that those who received the ICM intervention had a lower readmission rate than those who did not receive the intervention (35% vs. 37.5%).

[Home return Assistance Program for Chronic heart failure in-hospitalized patients (PRADO-IC) : Description, evaluations, perspectives]

INTRODUCTION

Return to home after discharge for congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations, the prognosis remains poor. Since 2013, the Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (CNAM) with the Société Française de Cardiologie (SFC) has set up a support program PRADO-IC (support program for returning home after hospitalization for heart failure).

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY

was to describe the program, to present epidemiologic data, and the evaluations by the CNAM, and by clinical studies, then to expose strengths limits and perspectives.

RESULTS

After the inclusion a CPAM advisor organize the outcome, the care of the outpatient is based on his general practitioner (GP) and a private nurse trained in CHF care during a three-months program. Between 2017 and 2019, 20 264 patients per year were hospitalized in Ile de France, 8.8% were included in PRADO-IC. The retrospective CNAM evaluations were positive: follow up criteria were improved and mortality rate at 6 months was lower (10.3% vs. 14.1%). However, clinical retrospective study of Troyes hospital (n = 89), and Paris Saint Joseph Hospital (n = 633), did not confirm these results: rate mortality and/or re-hospitalization were not different between patients and control. Several prospective studies are underway; results will be soon available. Limits of PRADO-IC are discussed like the lack of inclusion criteria, lack of geriatric evaluation, or the pivotal role based on GP, and the short term of duration. Strengths are its existence, national reach, multi-disciplinary approach, educational contents. Clinical studies showed that the PRADO-IC program concerned to the most severe patients. Despite this, the one-year mortality and the HF readmission rate are the same than out-program patients.

CONCLUSION

PRADO-IC is the one and the only national transition of care program for IC patients. First evaluations are positive but prospective evaluation studies are needed in order to limit methodologic bias.

Home-based versus centre-based cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death globally. Traditionally, centre-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes are offered to individuals after cardiac events to aid recovery and prevent further cardiac illness. Home-based and technology-supported cardiac rehabilitation programmes have been introduced in an attempt to widen access and participation, especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This is an update of a review previously published in 2009, 2015, and 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of home-based (which may include digital/telehealth interventions) and supervised centre-based cardiac rehabilitation on mortality and morbidity, exercise-capacity, health-related quality of life, and modifiable cardiac risk factors in patients with heart disease SEARCH METHODS: We updated searches from the previous Cochrane Review by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) on 16 September 2022. We also searched two clinical trials registers as well as previous systematic reviews and reference lists of included studies. No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials that compared centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (e.g. hospital, sports/community centre) with home-based programmes (± digital/telehealth platforms) in adults with myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, or who had undergone revascularisation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened all identified references for inclusion based on predefined inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved through discussion or by involving a third review author. Two authors independently extracted outcome data and study characteristics and assessed risk of bias. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three new trials in this update, bringing a total of 24 trials that have randomised a total of 3046 participants undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. A further nine studies were identified and are awaiting classification. Manual searching of trial registers until 16 September 2022 revealed a further 14 clinical trial registrations - these are ongoing. Participants had a history of acute myocardial infarction, revascularisation, or heart failure. Although there was little evidence of high risk of bias, a number of studies provided insufficient detail to enable assessment of potential risk of bias; in particular, details of generation and concealment of random allocation sequencing and blinding of outcome assessment were poorly reported. No evidence of a difference was seen between home- and centre-based cardiac rehabilitation in our primary outcomes up to 12 months of follow-up: total mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65 to 2.16; participants = 1647; studies = 12/comparisons = 14; low-certainty evidence) or exercise capacity (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.10, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.04; participants = 2343; studies = 24/comparisons = 28; low-certainty evidence). The majority of evidence (N=71 / 77 comparisons of either total or domain scores) showed no significant difference in health-related quality of life up to 24 months follow-up between home- and centre-based cardiac rehabilitation. Trials were generally of short duration, with only three studies reporting outcomes beyond 12 months (exercise capacity: SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.23; participants = 1074; studies = 3; moderate-certainty evidence). There was a similar level of trial completion (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.08; participants = 2638; studies = 22/comparisons = 26; low-certainty evidence) between home-based and centre-based participants. The cost per patient of centre- and home-based programmes was similar.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This update supports previous conclusions that home- (± digital/telehealth platforms) and centre-based forms of cardiac rehabilitation formally supported by healthcare staff seem to be similarly effective in improving clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes in patients after myocardial infarction, or revascularisation, or with heart failure. This finding supports the continued expansion of healthcare professional supervised home-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes (± digital/telehealth platforms), especially important in the context of the ongoing global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that has much limited patients in face-to-face access of hospital and community health services. Where settings are able to provide both supervised centre- and home-based programmes, consideration of the preference of the individual patient would seem appropriate. Although not included in the scope of this review, there is an increasing evidence base supporting the use of hybrid models that combine elements of both centre-based and home-based cardiac rehabilitation delivery. Further data are needed to determine: (1) whether the short-term effects of home/digital-telehealth and centre-based cardiac rehabilitation models of delivery can be confirmed in the longer term; (2) the relative clinical effectiveness and safety of home-based programmes for other heart patients, e.g. post-valve surgery and atrial fibrillation.

Transitional Care in Patients with Heart Failure: A Concept Analysis Using Rogers' Evolutionary Approach

Objective

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of transitional care in patients with heart failure.

Background

Transitional care is increasingly being applied in patients with heart failure, but the concept of transitional care in heart failure patients is not uniform and confused with other definitions, which limits further research and practice on transitional care for these patients.

Design

Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PUBMED, EMBASE, EBSCO, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), CNKI, and WANFANG databases (up to January 26, 2023). We used Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method to identify related concepts, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of transitional care in patients with heart failure.

Results

A total of 33 articles were included. The following attributes belonging to transitional care in patients with heart failure were extracted from the literature: self-care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and information transmission. The antecedents were patients' health status, the health literacy of patients and caregivers, the role functions of the main implementer and social and medical resources. Consequences were separated into two categories: patient-centered health outcomes (all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life, discharge preparedness, self-care behaviors, satisfaction of patients) and healthcare utilization outcomes (hospital readmission, length of hospital stay, emergency department visits).

Conclusion

This study found that transitional care in heart failure patients is a systemic care process during a vulnerable period that improves patient self-management and coordination between hospital resources and social support systems for continuous management to promote smooth patient transitions between different locations. This concept analysis will inform healthcare providers in designing evidence-based interventions and quality improvement strategies to ensure that transition processes lead to desired outcomes. In addition, this study will also be helpful for developing specific assessment tools to identify patients with HF who need transitional care.

Feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of the SYMPERHEART intervention to support symptom perception in persons with heart failure and their informal caregivers: a feasibility quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Symptom perception is an important process of heart failure (HF) self-care that persons with HF need in order to master self-care management. It also leads to better patient outcomes. Symptom perception consists of body observation and analysis, which are both challenging. We aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of a novel intervention (SYMPERHEART) delivered to persons with HF with their informal caregiver.

METHODS

We designed SYMPERHEART as a complex evidence-informed education and support intervention targeting body observation and analysis. We conducted a feasibility quasi-experimental study with a single group pre-post-test design. We included three subsamples: persons with HF receiving home-based care, their informal caregivers exposed to SYMPERHEART, and home-care nurses who delivered SYMPERHEART during 1 month. We assessed feasibility by recruitment time, time to deliver SYMPERHEART, eligibility rate, and intervention fidelity. We assessed acceptability by consent rate, retention rate, persons with HF engagement in body observation, and treatment acceptability. Outcome responsiveness was informed by patient-reported (PRO) and clinical outcomes: HF self-care and the informal caregivers' contribution to HF self-care, perception of HF symptom burden, health status, caregivers' burden, and HF events. We performed descriptive analyses for quantitative data and calculated Cohen's d for PROs. A power analysis estimated the sample size for a future full-scale effectiveness study.

RESULTS

We included 18 persons with HF, 7 informal caregivers, and 9 nurses. Recruitment time was 112.6 h. The median time to deliver SYMPERHEART for each participant was 177.5 min. Eligibility rate was 55% in persons with HF. Intervention fidelity revealed that 16 persons with HF were exposed to body observation and analysis. Consent and retention rates in persons with HF were 37.5% and 100%, respectively. Participants engaged actively in symptom and weight monitoring. Treatment acceptability scores were high. Symptom perception and informal caregivers' contribution to symptom perception were found to be responsive to SYMPERHEART. We estimate that a sample size of 50 persons with HF would be needed for a full-scale effectiveness study.

CONCLUSIONS

SYMPERHEART was found to be feasible and acceptable. This feasibility study provides information for a subsequent effectiveness study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN. ISRCTN18151041 , retrospectively registered on 4 February 2021, ICTRP Search Portal.

A scoping review of heart failure transitional care quality indicators and outcomes for use in clinical care and research

AIMS

There are no accepted quality indicators for transitional care following hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Current quality measures focus on 30-day readmissions without accounting for competing risks such as death. In this scoping review of clinical trials, we aimed to develop a set of HF transitional care quality indicators for clinical or research applications following hospitalization for HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a scoping review using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, reference lists and grey literature from January 1990 to November 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults hospitalized for HF who received a healthcare service or strategy intervention that aimed to improve patient-reported or clinical outcomes. We independently extracted data and performed a qualitative synthesis of the results. We generated a list of process, structure, patient-reported, and clinical measures that could be used as quality indicators. We highlighted process indicators that were associated with improved clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes that had high adherence to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) and United States Food and Drug Administration standards. From 42 RCTs included in the study, we identified a set of process, structure, patient-reported, and clinical indicators that could be used as transitional care measures in clinical or research settings.

CONCLUSION

In this scoping review, we developed a list of quality indicators that could guide clinical efforts or serve as research endpoints in transitional care in HF. Clinicians, researchers, institutions, and policymakers can use the indicators to guide management, design research, allocate resources, and fund services that improve clinical outcomes.

Bridging Treatment Implementation Gaps in Patients With Heart Failure: JACC Focus Seminar 2/3

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of death and disability in older adults. Despite decades of high-quality evidence to support their use, guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMTs) that reduce death and disease burden in HF have been suboptimally implemented. Approaches to closing care gaps have focused largely on strategies proven to be ineffective, whilst effective interventions shown to improve GDMT uptake have not been instituted. This review synthesizes implementation interventions that increase the uptake of GDMT, discusses barriers and facilitators of implementation, summarizes conceptual frameworks in implementation science that could improve knowledge uptake, and offers suggestions for trial design that could better facilitate end-of-trial implementation. We propose an evidence-to-care conceptual model that could foster the simultaneous generation of evidence and long-term implementation. By adopting principles of implementation science, policymakers, researchers, and clinicians can help reduce the burden of HF on patients and health care systems worldwide.

Broadening Heart Failure Care Beyond Cardiology: Challenges and Successes Within the Landscape of Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern that impairs the quality of life and is associated with significant mortality. As the prevalence of heart failure increases, multidisciplinary care is essential to provide comprehensive care to individuals.

RECENT FINDINGS

The challenges of implementing an effective multidisciplinary care team can be daunting. Effective multidisciplinary care begins at the initial diagnosis of heart failure. The transition of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting is critically important. The use of home visits, case management, and multidisciplinary clinics has been shown to decrease mortality and heart failure hospitalizations, and major society guidelines endorse multidisciplinary care for heart failure patients. Expanding heart failure care beyond cardiology entails incorporating primary care, advanced practice providers, and other disciplines. Patient education and self-management are fundamental to multidisciplinary care, as is a holistic approach to effectively address comorbid conditions. Ongoing challenges include navigating social disparities within heart failure care and limiting the economic burden of the disease.

Opportunities and Achievement of Medication Initiation Among Inpatients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Initiation of evidence-based medications for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) during hospitalization in contemporary practice is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study characterized opportunities for and achievement of heart failure (HF) medication initiation.

METHODS

Using the GWTG-HF (Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure) Registry 2017-2020, which collected data on contraindications and prescribing for 7 evidence-based HF-related medications, we assessed the number of medications for which each patient with HFrEF was eligible, use before admission, and prescribed at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with medication initiation.

RESULTS

Among 50,170 patients from 160 sites, patients were eligible for mean number of 3.9 ± 1.1 evidence-based medications with 2.1 ± 1.3 used before admission and 3.0 ± 1.0 prescribed on discharge. The number of patients receiving all indicated medications increased from admission (14.9%) to discharge (32.8%), a mean net gain of 0.9 ± 1.3 medications over a mean of 5.6 ± 5.3 days. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with lower odds of HF medication initiation included older age, female sex, medical pre-existing conditions (stroke, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary disease, and renal insufficiency), and rural location. Odds of medication initiation increased during the study period (adjusted OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 1 in 6 patients received all indicated HF-related medications on admission, increasing to 1 in 3 on discharge with an average of 1 new medication initiation. Opportunities to initiate evidence-based medications persist, particularly among women, those with comorbidities, and those receiving care at rural hospitals.

A Public Health Critical Race Praxis Informed Congestive Heart Failure Quality Improvement Initiative on Inpatient General Medicine

BACKGROUND

Prior evaluation at our hospital demonstrated that, compared to White patients, Black and Latinx patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) were less likely to be admitted to the cardiology service rather than the general medicine service (GMS). Patients admitted to GMS (compared to cardiology) had inferior rates of cardiology follow-up and 30-day readmission.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and test the feasibility and impacts of using quality improvement (QI) methods, in combination with the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) framework, to engage stakeholders in developing an intervention for ensuring guideline-concordant inpatient CHF care across all patient groups.

METHODS

We compared measures for all patients admitted with CHF to GMS between September 2019 and March 2020 (intervention group) to CHF patients admitted to GMS in the previous year (pre-intervention group) and those admitted to cardiology during the pre-intervention and intervention periods (cardiology group). Our primary measures were 30-day readmissions and 14- and 30-day post-discharge cardiology follow-up.

RESULTS

There were 79 patients admitted with CHF to GMS during the intervention period, all of whom received the intervention. There were similar rates of Black and Latinx patients across the three groups. Compared to pre-intervention, intervention patients had a significantly lower 30-day readmission rate (18.9% vs. 24.8%; p=0.024), though the cardiology group also had a decrease in 30-day readmissions from the pre-intervention to intervention period. Compared to pre-intervention, intervention patients had significantly higher 14-day and 30-day post-discharge follow-up visits scheduled with cardiology (36.7% vs. 24.8%, p=0.005; 55.7% vs. 42.3%, p=0.0029), but no improvement in appointment attendance.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a first test of applying the PHCRP framework within a stakeholder-engaged QI initiative for improving CHF care across races and ethnicities. Our study design cannot evaluate causation. However, the improvements in 30-day readmission, as well as in processes of care that may affect it, provide optimism that inclusion of a racism-conscious framework in QI initiatives is feasible and may enhance QI measures.

The diversity of providers' and consumers' views of virtual versus inpatient care provision: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

A broad-based international shift to virtual care models over recent years has accelerated following COVID-19. Although there are increasing numbers of studies and reviews, less is known about clinicians' and consumers' perspectives concerning virtual modes in contrast to inpatient modes of delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods study in late 2021 examining consumers' and providers' expectations of and perspectives on virtual care in the context of a new facility planned for the north-western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Data were collected via a series of workshops, and a demographic survey. Recorded qualitative text data were analysed thematically, and surveys were analysed using SPSS v22.

RESULTS

Across 12 workshops, 33 consumers and 49 providers from varied backgrounds, ethnicities, language groups, age ranges and professions participated. Four advantages, strengths or benefits of virtual care reported were: patient factors and wellbeing, accessibility, better care and health outcomes, and additional health system benefits, while four disadvantages, weaknesses or risks of virtual care were: patient factors and wellbeing, accessibility, resources and infrastructure, and quality and safety of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual care was widely supported but the model is not suitable for all patients. Health and digital literacy and appropriate patient selection were key success criteria, as was patient choice. Key concerns included technology failures or limitations and that virtual models may be no more efficient than inpatient care models. Considering consumer and provider views and expectations prior to introducing virtual models of care may facilitate greater acceptance and uptake.

Impact of a Nurse-Led Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Clinic in a Low-Resource Setting: Experience in a Latin American Public Healthcare System

Background

Nurse-led multidisciplinary heart failure clinics (MDHFCs) play an important role in patient care in developed countries, due to their proven benefits relating to mortality, hospitalization, and quality of life. However, evidence is limited regarding the role of MDHFCs in a limited-resource setting.

Methods

Patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (n = 89) were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal cohort, from January 2018 to January 2019. The following endpoints were collected at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up: (i) quality of life, measured using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire; (ii) medication adherence using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, 8-item; (iii) titration of HF medications; (iv) self-care behavior using the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale; and (v) mortality and hospitalizations up to 12 months after.

Results

The questionnaire score was reduced from 66.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 46-86) at baseline to 26 (IQR, 13-45) at 6 months (P < 0.001). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved at 6 months (NYHA I: 41.9%; NYHA II: 39.5%; NYHA III: 17.2%), compared to baseline (NYHA I: 20%; NYHA II: 49%; NYHA III: 31%; P < 0.001). Medication adherence using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale improved the score from 6 (IQR, 4-7) at baseline to 7 (IQR, 6.25-8; P = 0.001) at 6 months. Uptitration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (25% vs 18% at target dose) and beta-blockers (25% vs 11% at target dose) was documented. After 6 months of follow-up, the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale was applied, showing a score of 18.5 (IQR, 15-22). The mortality reported at 12 months of follow-up was 9.7%, and the incidence of hospitalization was 44%.

Conclusion

An MDHFC is a feasible strategy to manage an HF clinic in a low-resource setting.

Policy-Driven Post-Acute Care Program Lowers Mortality Rate and Medical Expenditures After Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: A Nationwide Propensity Score-Matched Study

OBJECTIVE

The beneficial effects of multidisciplinary disease management programs have been demonstrated. The present study investigated the effects of a policy-driven, health insurance-reimbursed, heart failure (HF) post-acute care (PAC) program on mortality, health care service utilization, and readmission expenses for patients following hospitalization for HF.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

In total, 4346 patients (2173 receiving HF-PAC and 2173 controls) with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤40% who were discharged following hospitalization for HF were included for analysis.

METHODS

All patients were followed up after discharge for all-cause mortality, emergency visits within 30 days, and length of stay and medical expenses for readmission within 180 days after discharge.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, baseline characteristics of the HF-PAC and control groups were similar. During a mean follow-up period of 1.59 ± 0.92 years, according to the Cox multivariable analysis, HF-PAC reduced mortality by 48% compared with the control group, independent of traditional risk factors (hazard ratio = 0.520, 95% CI = 0.452-0.597, P < .001). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that HF-PAC was associated with a higher cumulative survival rate (log-rank = 96.43, P < .001). HF-PAC also decreased the frequency of emergency visits after discharge by 23% in the 30 days post discharge and decreased length of stay and medical expenses related to readmission by 61% and 63%, respectively, in the 180 days post discharge (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

HF-PAC reduces short-term all-cause emergency visits, length of stay, and medical expenses for all-cause readmission and all-cause mortality in patients discharged following hospitalization for HF. Our findings suggest that PAC should include care continuity, optimal adaptation of transitional care components, and HF cardiologist engagement with multidisciplinary coordination.

Pre-discharge and early post-discharge management of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: A scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the ESC

Acute heart failure is a major cause of urgent hospitalizations. These are followed by marked increases in death and rehospitalization rates, which then decline exponentially though they remain higher than in patients without a recent hospitalization. Therefore, optimal management of patients with acute heart failure before discharge and in the early post-discharge phase is critical. First, it may prevent rehospitalizations through the early detection and effective treatment of residual or recurrent congestion, the main manifestation of decompensation. Second, initiation at pre-discharge and titration to target doses in the early post-discharge period, of guideline-directed medical therapy may improve both short- and long-term outcomes. Third, in chronic heart failure, medical treatment is often left unchanged, so the acute heart failure hospitalization presents an opportunity for implementation of therapy. The aim of this scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology is to summarize recent findings that have implications for clinical management both in the pre-discharge and the early post-discharge phase after a hospitalization for acute heart failure.

An evidence map of systematic reviews on models of outpatient care for patients with chronic heart diseases

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart disease affects millions of people worldwide and the prevalence is increasing. By now, there is an extensive literature on outpatient care of people with chronic heart disease. We aimed to systematically identify and map models of outpatient care for people with chronic heart disease in terms of the interventions included and the outcomes measured and reported to determine areas in need of further research.

METHODS

We created an evidence map of published systematic reviews. PubMed, Cochrane Library (Wiley), Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify all relevant articles from January 2000 to June 2021 published in English or German language. From each included systematic review, we abstracted search dates, number and type of included studies, objectives, populations, interventions, and outcomes. Models of care were categorised into six approaches: cardiac rehabilitation, chronic disease management, home-based care, outpatient clinic, telemedicine, and transitional care. Intervention categories were developed inductively. Outcomes were mapped onto the taxonomy developed by the COMET initiative.

RESULTS

The systematic literature search identified 8043 potentially relevant publications on models of outpatient care for patients with chronic heart diseases. Finally, 47 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria, covering 1206 primary studies (including double counting). We identified six different models of care and described which interventions were used and what outcomes were included to measure their effectiveness. Education-related and telemedicine interventions were described in more than 50% of the models of outpatient care. The most frequently used outcome domains were death and life impact.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on outpatient care for people with chronic heart diseases is broad. However, comparability is limited due to differences in interventions and outcome measures. Outpatient care for people with coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation is a less well-studied area compared to heart failure. Our evidence mapping demonstrates the need for a core outcome set and further studies to examine the effects of models of outpatient care or different interventions with adjusted outcome parameters.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42020166330).

Hospital development of heart failure follow-up units and short-term prognosis after acute decompensation in Spain

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the existence of heart failure units (HFU) and link nurse units (LNU) in the hospital improve short-term outcomes of acute heart failure (AHF) episodes.

METHODS

Patients with AHF diagnosed in 45 Spanish emergency departments were analysed according to whether the hospital had a complete development of follow-up units (HFU + LNU), partial (HFU or LNU) or none. The outcomes were: 30-day mortality, hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, >7 days admission, and adverse event (death, rehospitalisation, or reconsultation to the emergency department) at 30 days post-discharge. Outcomes were adjusted for baseline and AHF episode characteristics.

RESULTS

19,947 patients were included, median age was 82 years (IQR 76--87), women were 55%. It was 20% of patients attended in hospitals with null development, 28% with partial development and 52% with complete development. Mortality at 30 days was 10.1% (null/partial/complete development: 10.5%/9.5%/10.4%; p=0.880), hospitalization 74.6% (72.7%/72.7%/75.7%; p<0.001), in-hospital mortality 7.4% (7.6%/7.0%/7.5%; p=0.995), prolonged hospitalization 47.4% (51.1%/52.4%/43.5%; p<0.001) and adverse events 30 days post-hospitalization 30.3% (36.2%/28.9%/30.3%; p < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, hospital with complete development of follow-up units was not associated with mortality, but with increased hospitalization (OR= 1.172; 95%CI 1.069-1.285) and lower prolonged hospitalization (OR = 0.725; 95%CI 0.660-0.797) and adverse events at 30 days post-discharge (OR=0.831; 95%CI 0.755-0.916). Partial development was only associated with decreased post-discharge adverse events (OR= 0.782; 95%CI 0.702-0.871).

CONCLUSION

The development of follow-up units is not associated with 30-day mortality, but is associated with less prolonged hospitalization and fewer post-discharge adverse events in patients with AHF.

Elements Characterising Multicomponent Interventions Used to Improve Disease Management Models and Clinical Pathways in Acute and Chronic Heart Failure: A Scoping Review

This study aimed to summarise different interventions used to improve clinical models and pathways in the management of chronic and acute heart failure (HF). A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews (SR) published in the period from 2014 to 2019 in the English language. Primary articles cited in SR that fulfil inclusion and exclusion criteria were extracted and examined using narrative synthesis. Interventions were classified based on five chosen elements of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) framework (self-management support, decision support, community resources and policies, delivery system, and clinical information system). Out of 155 SRs retrieved, 7 were considered for the extraction of 166 primary articles. The prevailing setting was the patient's home. Only 46 studies specified the severity of HF by reporting the level of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment in a heterogeneous manner. However, most studies targeted the populations with LVEF ≤ 45% and LVEF < 40%. Self-management and delivery systems were the most evaluated CCM elements. Interventions related to community resources and policy and advising/reminding systems for providers were rarely evaluated. No studies addressed the implementation of a disease registry. A multidisciplinary team was available with similarly low frequency in each setting. Although HF care should be a multi-component model, most studies did not analyse the role of some important components, such as the decision support tools to disseminate guidelines and program planning that includes measurable targets.

Multidimensional Interventions on Supporting Disease Management for Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure: The Role of Clinical and Community Pharmacists

BACKGROUND

existing trials on the role of clinical pharmacists in managing chronic disease patients have focused on variety of interventions, including preparing patients for the transition from hospital to home. However, little quantitative evidence is available regarding the effect of multidimensional interventions on supporting disease management for hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). The present paper reviews the effects of inpatient, discharge and/or after-discharge interventions performed on hospitalized HF patients by multidisciplinary teams, including pharmacists.

METHODS

articles were identified through search engines in three electronic databases following the PRISMA Protocol. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomized intervention studies conducted in the period 1992-2022 were included. In all studies, baseline characteristics of patients as well as study end-points were described in relation to a control group i.e., usual care and a group of subjects that received care from a clinical and/or community pharmacist, as well as other health professionals (Intervention). Study outcomes included all-cause hospital 30-day re-admission or emergency room (ER) visits, all-cause hospitalization within >30 days after discharge, specific-cause hospitalization rates, medication adherence and mortality. The secondary outcomes included adverse events and quality of life. Quality assessment was carried out using RoB 2 Risk of Bias Tool. Publication bias across studies was determined using the funnel plot and Egger's regression test.

RESULTS

a total of 34 protocols were included in the review, while the data from 33 trials were included in further quantitative analyses. The heterogeneity between studies was high. Pharmacist-led interventions, usually performed within interprofessional care teams, reduced the rates of 30-day all-cause hospital re-admission (odds ratio, OR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.62-0.98; p = 0.03) and all-cause hospitalization >30 days after discharge (OR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.63-0.86; p = 0.0001). Subjects hospitalized primarily due to heart failure demonstrated reduced risk of hospital admission within longer periods, i.e., from 60 to 365 days after discharge (OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.51-0.81; p = 0.0002). The rate of all-cause hospitalization was reduced by multidimensional interventions taken by pharmacists: reviews of medicine lists and/or their reconciliation at discharge (OR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.43-0.91; p = 0.014), as well as interventions that were based mainly on patient education and counseling (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.88; p = 0.0047). In conclusion, given that HF patients often have complex treatment regimens and multiple comorbid conditions, our findings highlight the need for greater involvement from skilled clinical and community pharmacists in disease management.

Awareness of and subjective needs for post-discharge healthcare services among older adult patients

BACKGROUND

Increasing patient awareness of post-discharge care resources is an effective strategy to reduce rehospitalization rates and medical costs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore hospitalized older adult patients' awareness of and subjective demands for post-discharge healthcare services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 2018 to May 2020. STROBE statement was completed. Participants were inpatients over 65 years of age in the general ward of a medical center in northern Taiwan. A questionnaire was used to collect data by face-to-face interviews. Two hundred and twelve participants were recruited. Home nursing care, home rehabilitation, home respiratory therapy, home services, assistive devices rental, and transportation were the main post-discharge healthcare services in this study.

RESULTS

Overall, 83.5% of older adult patients were aware of and 55.7% of the older adult patients demanded at least one post-discharge healthcare services. Logistic regression results found that, patients experiencing moderate to severe disability and cognitive impairment, and those hospitalized in the past year had significantly higher demands for services.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing post-discharge healthcare services for older adult patients provides continuous patient-centered services for assisting patients and their families in adapting to the transition period of the post-acute stage. Satisfying these demands is beneficial for older adult patients and their families, as well as for reducing readmissions and medical costs.

Clinical course and therapy optimization of patients after discharge from a specialized heart failure clinic

Aim: We aimed to describe the clinical course of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after discharge from the heart failure clinics (HFC). Patients & methods: We reviewed the hospital's records of 610 patients that were discharged between 2013 and 2018 from the HFC at a single centre. Patients with no recurrent contact to ambulatory cardiac care were invited to an echocardiographic assessment. Results: Of the survivors, 72% were re-referred after discharge. Nearly 30% of the patients with no recurrent contact with ambulatory cardiac care had persistent HFrEF and further therapeutical optimizations were indicated in half of them. Conclusion: This highlights the importance to identify high-risk patients that would benefit from extended management in the HFC.

Effectiveness of transitional care interventions in patients with serious illness and their caregivers: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of transitional care interventions for seriously ill patients and their caregivers.

INTRODUCTION

Seriously ill patients and their caregivers may have complex health and social care needs that require services from numerous providers across multiple sectors. Transitional care interventions have been designed to enhance a collaborative approach among providers to facilitate the care transition process. However, the effectiveness of transitional care interventions for seriously ill patients and their caregivers, and the effects of such interventions on their outcomes, remain unclear.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials with adult patients (≥18 years old) with serious illness and their caregivers involved in transitional care programs will be considered for inclusion. The patients' outcomes will include mortality and/or survival, symptoms (eg, pain, nausea), and health-related quality of life. The caregivers' outcomes will include caregiver burden, preparedness, and well-being.

METHODS

The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness will be followed. The search strategy will aim to locate published and unpublished studies. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, will be systematically searched from 2003 to the present. Studies in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German will be included. Critical appraisal and data extraction will be conducted using standardized tools. Quantitative data will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis or, if statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be reported narratively. Certainty of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42022319848.

The effectiveness of tele-transitions of care interventions in high-risk older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronically ill older patients are often vulnerable to detrimental health outcomes and have increased risk of preventable readmission. Tele-transitions of care interventions utilizing telecommunications and surveillance technologies help monitor patients' conditions after discharge to prevent negative health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and synthesize available evidence on the effectiveness of tele-transitions of care interventions on various health outcomes in older adults at high risk for readmission discharged from acute setting.

METHODS

Published, unpublished studies and gray literatures were identified through searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and theses and Google Scholar from inception to December 2021. Only randomized controlled trials published in English language assessing tele-transitions of care interventions on high-risk older adults were included. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects model in RevMan 5.4. Sensitivity and subgroup and narrative analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included, of which thirteen were considered for meta-analyses. Tele-transitions of care interventions were effective in reducing readmission rate (RR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.50-0.69, z = 6.28, p < 0.00001), mortality rate (RR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.53-0.98, z = 2.12, p = 0.03), and improving health-related quality of life (SMD = 0.24, Z = 2.04, p = 0.04). However, reduction of emergency department visit (RR = 1.10, 95%CI 0.59-2.06, z = 0.31, p = 0.76) and improvement of functional status (SMD = -0.06, Z = 0.19, p = 0.85) was not observed following intervention. Subgroup analysis found that the positive effects of tele-transitions of care interventions persist up to 180 days even after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that tele-transitions of care interventions have promising effects on readmission, mortality rate and health-related quality of life. Tele-transitions of care interventions are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale implementation in healthcare settings.

REGISTRATION

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022295665).

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Systematic review demonstrates that monitoring older patients at high risk of readmission, following discharge from hospital, using telecommunication and surveillance technologies significantly reduces readmission and mortality rates and improves their quality of life.

Efficacy of disease management program used among patients with chronic heart failure: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large number of studies have provided a variety of heart failure management program (HF-MP) intervention modes. It is generally believed that HF-MP is effective, but the question of which type of program works best, what level of support is needed for an intervention to be effective, and whether different subgroups of patients are best served by different types of programs is still confusing.

METHODS

This study will search for published and unpublished randomized clinical trials in English examining HF-MP interventions in comparison with usual care. MEDLINE, Medlin In-Process and Non-Indexed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO will be the databases. We will calibrate our eligibility criteria among the team. Each literature will be screened by at least two reviewers. Conflicts will be resolved through team discussion. A similar process will be used for data abstraction and quality appraisal. The results will be synthesized descriptively, and a network meta-analysis will be conducted if the studies are deemed methodologically, clinically, and statistically acceptable (e.g., I² < 50%). Moreover, potential moderators of efficacy will be analyzed using a meta-regression.

DISCUSSION

This study will reduce the clinical heterogeneity and statistical heterogeneity of review and meta-analysis through a more scientific classification method to determine the most effective HF-MP in different subgroups of heart failure patients with different human resource investments and different intervention methods, providing high-quality evidence and guidance for clinical practice.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021258521.

Real-Life Data on Readmissions of Worsening Heart Failure Outpatients in a Heart Failure Clinic

Introduction Recurrent hospitalizations for worsening heart failure (WHF) represent a major global public health concern, resulting in significant individual morbimortality and socioeconomic costs. This real-life study aimed to determine the rate and predictors of readmission for WHF in a cohort of outpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF) followed in a heart failure clinic (HFC) at a university hospital. Methods We conducted a longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study of all consecutive CHF patients seen at the HFC of the São Francisco Xavier Hospital, Lisbon, by a multidisciplinary team in 2019. The patients were followed for one year and were on optimized therapy. The inclusion criteria for the study were patients who had been hospitalized and subsequently discharged at least three months prior to their enrollment. Patient demographics, heart failure (HF) characterization, comorbidities, pharmacological treatment, treatments of decompensated HF in the day hospital (DH), hospitalizations for WHF, and death were recorded. We applied logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of hospital readmission for HF. Results A total of 351 patients were included: 90 patients (26%) had WHF requiring treatment with intravenous diuretics in the DH; 45 patients (mean age: 79.1 ± 9.0 years) were readmitted for decompensated HF within one year (12.8%) with no gender difference, while 87.2% of the patients (mean age: 74.9 ± 12.1 years) were never readmitted. Readmitted patients were significantly older than those who were not (p=0.031). Additionally, they had a higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification (p<.001), were on a higher daily dose of furosemide (p=0.008) at the time of the inclusion visit, were more frequently affected by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.004); had been treated more often in the DH for WHF (p<.001) and had a higher mortality rate (p<.001) at one year. Conclusions This study aimed to determine WHF patient readmission rates and predictors. According to our results, a higher NYHA class, the need for treatment in the DH for WHF, a daily dose of furosemide equal to or greater than 80 mg, and COPD were predictors of readmission for WHF. CHF patients continue to experience WHF and recurrent hospitalizations despite therapeutic advances and close follow-up in the HFC with the multidisciplinary team. Besides COPD, the HF readmission risk factors found were mainly related to advanced disease. Furthermore, the structured and multidisciplinary approach of our disease management program likely contributed to our relatively low rate of readmissions.

Innovative models of healthcare delivery: an umbrella review of reviews

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a synthesis of evidence-based research for seven innovative models of care to inform the development of new hospitals.

DESIGN

Umbrella review.

SETTING

Interventions delivered inside and outside of acute care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Children and adults with one or more identified acute or chronic health conditions.

DATA SOURCES

PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical indicators and mortality, healthcare utilisation, quality of life, self-management and self-care and patient knowledge.

RESULTS

A total of 66 reviews were included, synthesising evidence from 1272 primary studies across the 7 models of care. Virtual care was the most common model studied, addressed by 47 (73%) of the reviews. Common outcomes evaluated across reviews were clinical indicators and mortality, healthcare utilisation, self-care and self-management, patient knowledge, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The findings indicate that the innovative models of healthcare we identified in this review may be effective in managing patients with a range of acute and chronic conditions. Most of the included reviews reported evidence of comparable or improved care.

CONCLUSIONS

A consideration of local infrastructure and individual patient characteristics, such as health literacy, may be critical in determining the suitability of models of care for patients and their implementation in local health systems.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

10.17605/OSF.IO/PS6ZU.

Usefulness of Systemic Venous Ultrasound Protocols in the Prognosis of Heart Failure Patients: Results from a Prospective Multicentric Study

Mortality and re-admission rates for decompensated acute heart failure (AHF) is increasing overall and risk stratification might be challenging. We sought to evaluate the prognostic role of systemic venous ultrasonography in patients hospitalized for AHF. We prospectively recruited 74 AHF patients with a NT-proBNP level above 500 pg/mL. Then, multi-organ ultrasound assessments (lung, inferior vena cava (IVC), pulsed-wave Doppler (PW-Doppler) of hepatic, portal, intra-renal and femoral veins) were performed at admission, discharge, and follow-up (for 90 days). We also calculated the Venous Excess Ultrasound System (VExUS), a new score of systemic congestion based on IVC dilatation and pulsed-wave Doppler morphology of hepatic, portal and intra-renal veins. An intra-renal monophasic pattern (area under the curve (AUC) 0.923, sensitivity (Sn) 90%, specificity (Sp) 81%, positive predictive value (PPV) 43%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 98%), a portal pulsatility > 50% (AUC 0.749, Sn 80%, Sp 69%, PPV 30%, NPV 96%) and a VExUS score of 3 corresponding to severe congestion (AUC 0.885, Sn 80%, Sp 75%, PPV 33%, and NPV 96%) predicted death during hospitalization. An IVC above 2 cm (AUC 0.758, Sn 93.l% and Sp 58.3) and the presence of an intra-renal monophasic pattern (AUC 0. 834, sensitivity 0.917, specificity 67.4%) in the follow-up visit predicted AHF-related re-admission. Additional scans during hospitalization or the calculation of a VExUS score probably adds unnecessary complexity to the assessment of AHF patients. In conclusion, VExUS score does not contribute to the guidance of therapy or the prediction of complications, compared with the presence of an IVC greater than 2 cm, a venous monophasic intra-renal pattern or a pulsatility > 50% of the portal vein in AHF patients. Early and multidisciplinary follow-up visits remain necessary for the improvement of the prognosis of this highly prevalent disease.

Management of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a complex and progressive clinical condition characterized by dyspnea and functional impairment. HFrEF has a high burden of mortality and readmission rate making it one of the most significant public health challenges. Basic treatment strategies include diuretics for symptom relief and use of quadruple therapy (Angiotensin receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitors, evidence-based beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors) for reduction in hospitalizations, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Despite compelling evidence of clinical benefit, guideline directed medical therapy is vastly underutilized in the real-world clinical practice. Other medications such as intravenous iron, ivabradine, hydralazine/nitrates and vericiguat may also have a role in certain subgroup of HFrEF patients. Specific groups of patients with HFrEF may also be candidates for various device therapies such as implanted cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy and trans catheter mitral valve repair. This review provides a comprehensive overview of drug and device management approaches for patients with HFrEF, recommendations for initiation and titrations of therapies, and challenges associated with guideline directed medical therapy in the management of patients with HFrEF (Graphical abstract).

The Effect of Home Care Support Clinics on Hospital Readmission in Heart Failure Patients in Japan

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is common and is associated with high rates of hospitalization. Home care support clinics/hospitals (HCSCs) and enhanced HCSCs were introduced in Japan in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effect of post-discharge care by conventional or enhanced HCSCs on readmission, compared with general clinics.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using the Japanese nationwide health insurance claims database.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were ≥65 years of age, admitted for heart failure and discharged between July 2014 and August 2015 and received a home visit within a month following the discharge (n=12,393).

MAIN MEASURES

The exposure was the type of medical facility that provides post-discharge home healthcare: general clinics, conventional HCSCs, and enhanced HCSCs. The primary outcome was all-cause readmission for 6 months after the first visit; the incidence of emergency house calls was a secondary outcome. We used a competing risk regression using the Fine and Gray method, in which death was regarded as a competing event.

KEY RESULTS

At 6 months, readmissions were lower in conventional (38%) or enhanced HCSCs (38%) than general clinics (43%). The adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) of readmission was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.96) for conventional and 0.86 (0.78-0.96) for enhanced HCSCs. Emergency house calls increased with conventional (sHR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.57-2.00) and enhanced HCSCs (sHR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.71-2.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Older Japanese patients with heart failure receiving post-discharge home healthcare by conventional or enhanced HCSCs had lower readmission rates, possibly due to compensation with more emergency house calls. Conventional and enhanced HCSCs may be effective in reducing the risk of rehospitalization. Further studies are necessary to confirm the medical functions performed by HCSCs.

Effectiveness of mobile telemonitoring applications in heart failure patients: systematic review of literature and meta-analysis

Close and frequent follow-up of heart failure (HF) patients improves clinical outcomes. Mobile telemonitoring applications are advantageous alternatives due to their wide availability, portability, low cost, computing power, and interconnectivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of telemonitoring apps on mortality, hospitalization, and quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. We conducted a registered (PROSPERO CRD42022299516) systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating mobile-based telemonitoring strategies in patients with HF, published between January 2000 and December 2021 in 4 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, BVSalud/LILACS, Cochrane Reviews). We assessed the risk of bias using the RoB2 tool. The outcome of interest was the effect on mortality, hospitalization risk, and/or QoL. We performed meta-analysis when appropriate; heterogeneity and risk of publication bias were evaluated. Otherwise, descriptive analyses are offered. We screened 900 references and 19 RCTs were included for review. The risk of bias for mortality and hospitalization was mostly low, whereas for QoL was high. We observed a reduced risk of hospitalization due to HF with the use of mobile-based telemonitoring strategies (RR 0.77 [0.67; 0.89]; I² 7%). Non-statistically significant reduction in mortality risk was observed. The impact on QoL was variable between studies, with different scores and reporting measures used, thus limiting data pooling. The use of mobile-based telemonitoring strategies in patients with HF reduces risk of hospitalization due to HF. As smartphones and wirelessly connected devices are increasingly available, further research on this topic is warranted, particularly in the foundational therapy.

Emergency department returns and early follow-up visits after heart failure hospitalization: Cohort study examining the role of race

Health disparities in heart failure (HF) show that Black patients face greater ED utilization and worse clinical outcomes. Transitional care post-HF hospitalization, such as 7-day early follow-up visits, may prevent ED returns. We examine whether early follow-up is associated with lower ED returns visits within 30 days and whether Black race is associated with receiving early follow-up after HF hospitalization. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of all Black and White adult patients at 13 hospitals in Michigan hospitalized for HF from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2020. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) were estimated from multivariable logistic regressions. The analytic sample comprised 6,493 patients (mean age = 71 years (SD 15), 50% female, 37% Black, 9% Medicaid). Ten percent had an ED return within 30 days and almost half (43%) of patients had 7-day early follow-up. Patients with early follow-up had lower risk of ED returns (aRR 0.85 [95%CI, 0.71-0.98]). Regarding rates of early follow-up, there was no overall adjusted association with Black race, but the following variables were related to lower follow-up: Medicaid insurance (aRR 0.90 [95%CI, 0.80-1.00]), dialysis (aRR 0.86 [95%CI, 0.77-0.96]), depression (aRR 0.92 [95%CI, 0.86-0.98]), and discharged with opioids (aRR 0.94 [95%CI, 0.88-1.00]). When considering a hospital-level interaction, three of the 13 sites with the lowest percentage of Black patients had lower rates of early follow-up in Black patients (ranging from 15% to 55% reduced likelihood). Early follow-up visits were associated with a lower likelihood of ED returns for HF patients. Despite this potentially protective association, certain patient factors were associated with being less likely to receive scheduled follow-up visits. Hospitals with lower percentages of Black patients had lower rates of early follow-up for Black patients. Together, these may represent missed opportunities to intervene in high-risk groups to prevent ED returns in patients with HF.

Structural components for the development of a heart failure network

Diagnosis and treatment of heart failure (HF) is challenging, and development of specialized HF networks is mandatory to warrant broad access to guideline directed therapies for patients. Numerous national cardiovascular societies recommend a three-level association of health care providers. This comprises tertiary academic centres, specialized HF clinics and specialized general cardiologists to cover the large spectrum of HF severity and entities. Although this idea of a multi-level care is widely accepted, optimal approach to build and implement a HF network service needs further definition. The core principle is that of network healthcare facilities that also consider regional peculiarities and that implements academic standards, quality indicators (QIs), interdisciplinarity and reimbursement strategies. These determinants of trans-sectoral healthcare need to be embedded in a network that provides sustainability and that incorporates QIs to objectify the efficacy of specific measures. The basis of a HF-network should be a certification system of the respective national HF association to warrant guideline standards and to prevent development of regional hierarchies or dependencies between members. This nationwide framework needs to be complemented by a federal system of regional networks, which also takes local demands into account. These regional units should incorporate digital communication and interaction pathways, structured educational programmes, certified telehealth concepts and follow-up algorithms to meet the requirements of sustainability and efficacy. We here summarize different components of HF networks and introduce the structure and development philosophy of the RUHR-HF-network that constitutes the first certified HF-clinics-network in the Ruhr area-the largest metropolitan area in Germany.