Cardiorespiratory pathologies are the most modifiable pathologies with lifestyle changes and careful management. Readmission rate for cardiovascular pathologies is higher than any other specialty and is usually related to medication noncompliance. The rise in hospital readmissions is a global concern, placing considerable burden on patients, treatment costs, and hospital resources (Hoang-Kim et al., 2020). Vader et al., (2016), reported risk factors for post-discharge readmission or death in patients treated for acute heart failure, including male sex, non-use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), lower baseline sodium, non-white race, lower systolic blood pressure at discharge or day 7, increased length of stay, and depression.
The rise in hospital readmissions is a global concern and is often used as a quality benchmark for health care systems. Hospital readmission is a considerable burden on the individual from a cost perspective and the related treatment costs and hospital resources tax the health system (Vader et al., 2016). This means that hospitals are not getting reimbursed by the government and/or insurance companies if the readmission is within the specified timeframe or for the already treated or related medical condition.
There are many resources to support patients after admission. Assistance with understanding and managing medications prescribed post-discharge, including ensuring proper dosage, scheduling, and potential side effects. This might involve other family members or home health nurse, or maybe even discharging a patient to a assistive facility. Referrals to cardiac rehabilitation programs or exercise classes tailored to cardiac patients, aimed at improving cardiovascular health and overall fitness under supervised conditions. By far, swimming is the most encouraged physical activity for these patients and is very beneficial. Arrangement of follow-up appointments with cardiologists, primary care physicians, or other specialists to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns or complications before the patient is even discharged increases the chances of patients actually following through with the appointments.
Hoang-Kim, A., Parpia, C., Freitas, C., Austin, P. C., Ross, H. J., Wijeysundera, H. C., Tu, K., Mak, S., Farkouh, M. E., Sun, L. Y., Schull, M. J., Mason, R., Lee, D. S., & Rochon, P. A. (2020). Readmission rates following heart failure: a scoping review of sex and gender based considerations. BMC cardiovascular disorders, 20(1), 223. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-020-01422-3
Vader, J. M., LaRue, S. J., Stevens, S. R., Mentz, R. J., DeVore, A. D., Lala, A., Groarke, J. D., AbouEzzeddine, O. F., Dunlay, S. M., Grodin, J. L., Dávila-Román, V. G., & de Las Fuentes, L. (2016). Timing and Causes of Readmission After Acute Heart Failure Hospitalization-Insights From the Heart Failure Network Trials. Journal of cardiac failure, 22(11), 875–883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2016.04.014
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