Direct Telephonic Communication in a Heart Failure Transitional Care Program: An observational study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Investigated telephone call trends within the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center (BGSMC) Heart Failure Transitional Care Program (HFTCP).
• The HFTCP aims to decrease 30-day readmissions for heart failure patients through a comprehensive strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the patterns of telephone communication in a heart failure transitional care program.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of direct physician-patient telephone contact.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed cellular phone records for 104 patients in the HFTCP over 51 weeks.
• Evaluated call length, timing, and volume, including inbound and outbound calls.

Main Results:

• Recorded 4398 calls, averaging 86 calls weekly.
• 85% of calls occurred during weekday daytime hours; 10.2% on weekends.
• Weekday nights averaged 1.5 inbound calls per week.

Conclusions:

• Direct physician-patient telephone contact is viable for approximately 100 heart failure patients per provider.
• Financial reimbursement could incentivize physician participation in transitional care programs.
• Transitional care programs offer benefits to third-party payers through reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations.