Heart Failure Readmissions: Nationally Recognized Health System
Carekit.com > Heart Failure Readmissions: Nationally Recognized Health System

Heart Failure
DRG 127
Discharged to Home
N = 70

72%

Reduction in readmissions in less than 31 days post discharge

Nationally recognized as one of top 50 hospitals – 787-beds, urban Milwaukee, part of larger system in WI.

100%

Reduction in returns to the ER in less than 31 days post discharge

18 hour

reduction in readmission LOS

 

ANNUAL PROJECTIONS
(Two Units of One Hospital)

Control group = 54

22.2%

readmission rate

48

readmissions per year

3.7%

return to the ER

8

returns to the ER per year

5.75

days LOS for readmit

5.75

days LOS for readmit

Care Kit Group = 16

6.25%

readmission rate

14

readmissions per year

0%

returns to the ER

0

returns to the ER per year

5.00

days LOS for readmit

5.00

days LOS for readmit

Control Group is 1 quarter of retrospective data, 2001. Care Kit Group is same quarter, 2002 Selection criteria: patients discharged to home weighing 300 pounds or less. Data collected by the hospital from medical records.

HIGHLIGHTS: Data shows a very positive trend in reducing LOS and readmissions, although the pilot was small. A larger group of CHF patients (46) received the kits, but were not included in the study because they were either discharged to homecare, SNF, or, on discharge, were given a code other than DRG 127. This hospital is preparing to purchase the CHF kit for outpatient as well as inpatient.