Noncompliance with physician instructions proves to be an ongoing hazard for congestive heart failure patients. Two separate studies have found up to 50% of CHF patients to be noncompliant in following discharge instructions from a previous hospitalization. Approximately 30 to 40% of patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure reutilize hospitals within six months Studies have concluded that at least 40% of these readmissions were avoidable.
A number of research projects have examined the effects of outpatient CHF programs including home nursing visits. Each of these investigations have shown positive outcomes, including fewer rehospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, improved quality of life, improved functional status, and lower healthcare costs despite the increased costs of the programs. One study examined a physician supervised, nurse-managed program wherein the nurse made 7 contacts with the patient/caregiver for teaching and reinforcement while the patient was in the home setting. Patients experienced a 67% decrease in emergency department visits and an 87% reduction in heart failure rehospitalizations. Improvements in functional status and quality of life were also noted.
Order heart failure management services from Allegiance Home Health & Rehab when you have homebound patients struggling with this serious condition. With Allegiance Home Health & Rehab, heart failure management services can include:
Teaching & Adherence:
Allegiance nurses can visit your patients as often as needed to reinforce teaching and verify compliance. Teaching can include special diets, keeping daily logs, s/s of acute CHF episodes, medication compliance, emergency planning, and when to call the nurse or doctor.
Monitoring, Assessment, & Coordination:
When patient conditions are unstable or likely to worsen, nurses can assess your patient routinely. Assessment can include weight, pulse oximetry, vital signs, edema, heart auscultation, and disease specific questions. Allegiance nurses will call the doctor’s office as indicated, efficiently report the change in condition, and help patients implement ordered medication changes. Allegiance nurses can also help with coordination of other healthcare services such as oxygen and DME.
Physical & Occupational Therapy:
Some studies suggest that appropriate exercise programs are sage for patients with mild to moderate heart failure. These programs have reduced hospitalization and improved quality of life. Physicians can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing patients are beginning conditioning activities under PT supervision. Allegiance occupational and physical therapists can also teach energy conversation techniques and home improvements to maximize your patient’s ability to live independently.
We Make Referrals Easy
Just send us a fax or call us with patient name, diagnosis, insurance information, and any special instructions. We do the rest. We strongly encourage referrals directly from doctors’ offices. Within 24 hours of your referral, we do a complete in-home assessment for your patient and report back to the doctor with a concise, written homecare plan.
