Patient-identified factors related to heart failure readmissions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although readmission after hospitalization for heart failure has received increasing attention, little is known about its root causes. Prior investigations have relied on administrative databases, chart review, and single-question surveys.

Methods and results

We performed semistructured 30- to 60-minute interviews of patients (n=28) readmitted within 6 months of index heart failure admission. Established qualitative approaches were used to analyze and to interpret data. Interview findings were the primary focus of the study, but patient information and provider comments from chart data were also consulted. Patient median age was 61 years; 29% were nonwhite; 50% were married; 32% had preserved ejection fraction; and median time from discharge to readmission was 31

SUBMITTER: Retrum JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4082819 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature