Pharmacotherapy Use in Older Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction After a Skilled Nursing...

Little is known about guideline-directed pharmacotherapy use in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This study aimed to describe the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) and evidence-based β-blockers (EBBBs) among older patients with HFrEF within 90 days after the SNF admission and to identify factors associated with receipt of these medications.

With the use of Minimum Data Set 3.0 cross-linked with Medicare data (2011-2012), we studied 35,792 Americans aged ≥65 years with HFrEF admitted to 10,333 SNFs. The median age was 82 years, 59% were women, 81% had at least moderate physical limitations, and 39% had moderate/severe cognitive impairment. Fifty-six percent received an ACEI/ARB and 53% an EBBB; one-fourth received neither. In a multivariable log-binomial model, advanced age, severe physical limitations, and greater number of comorbid conditions not associated with heart failure were inversely associated with ACEI/ARB and EBBB receipt.

Use of standard pharmacotherapy among patients with HFrEF after an SNF stay is higher than previously reported. In the absence of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of ACEIs/ARBs and EBBBs in this population, whether or not improvements in prescribing are warranted remains unknown.