An Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Can Reduce Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions and Costs in an...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing

Background:

• Heart failure is a primary cause of adult hospitalizations in the U.S.
• Nurse-led interprofessional clinics improve heart failure outcomes, reducing readmissions.
• Limited data exists on nurse-led collaborative practice's impact on underserved heart failure populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare readmission days and costs among underserved heart failure patients.
• Evaluate outcomes for patients engaged, not engaged, or not established with a nurse-led interprofessional clinic.

Main Methods:

• Compared demographic, clinical, and readmission data for 3 patient groups.
• Analyzed 6 months of data pre- and post-clinic visit.
• Utilized statistical analyses including ANOVA, logistic regression, and financial analytics.

Main Results:

• Inpatient hospital days decreased significantly in the engaged group (P < .001).
• Total cost savings were substantially higher in the engaged group ($1,987,379; P < .001).
• The study included 59% African American and 72% male patients, with a mean age of 49.

Conclusions:

• Findings support integrating interprofessional collaborative practice into heart failure management.
• Emphasizes the importance of focusing on underserved populations.
• Highlights the potential for significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes.