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Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Published on: June 10, 2025
803
Predictors of excess heart failure readmissions: implications for nursing practice
Kelly D Stamp1, Jane Flanagan, Matt Gregas
1Boston College, School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Drs Stamp, Flanagan, and Shindul-Rothschild); and Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Dr Gregas).
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|January 1, 2014
Summary
Six factors predict over 27% of heart failure (HF) readmissions. Higher hospital admissions per bed and poor nurse communication increase HF readmissions, while better nurse staffing and discharge information reduce them.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Practice
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hospital readmissions for heart failure (HF) represent a significant burden on healthcare systems.
- Identifying modifiable factors influencing HF readmissions is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors associated with hospital readmissions in heart failure patients.
- To explore the impact of hospital characteristics and care delivery on HF readmission rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital data from California, Massachusetts, and New York.
- Statistical modeling to identify predictors of 30-day heart failure readmissions.
- Examined factors including hospital admissions per bed, hospital type (teaching vs. non-teaching), nurse staffing ratios, patient-reported discharge information, and geographic location.
Main Results:
- Six factors collectively predicted 27.6% of heart failure readmissions.
- Increased admissions per bed, presence of teaching hospitals, and poor nurse-patient communication were associated with higher readmission rates.
- Higher nurse staffing levels, greater patient receipt of discharge information, and hospitals located in California were associated with lower readmission rates.
Conclusions:
- Nursing practice, including staffing and communication, significantly impacts heart failure readmissions.
- Hospital operational factors and patient education on discharge are critical for reducing readmission rates.
- Targeted interventions focusing on these factors may improve care delivery for heart failure patients.
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