Patient and process factors associated with all-cause 30-day readmission among patients with heart failure

To explore the patient and process factors associated with all-cause 30-day readmission after heart failure (HF) hospitalization and develop recommendations to reduce readmissions of patients with HF.

A retrospective, cohort study of 239 patients ages 18 years and older was performed using electronic medical chart review. All patients were discharged from the medical center between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 with a principal diagnosis of HF. Patient and process factors were compared in readmitted and non-readmitted groups.

Renal failure/insufficiency was the only factor significantly associated with all-cause 30-day readmission among patients with HF.

Assessment of renal function during hospitalization will help identify patients with HF at high risk for all-cause 30-day readmission. Give careful consideration to the timing of discharge of patients who appear otherwise ready for discharge but still have creatinine levels above their baseline. Careful follow-up is needed for patients with impaired renal function.