Effect of Continuous Education on Readmission Rates for CHF Patients

Aim: To evaluate if continuing the education of Congest Heart Failure patients post-discharge will decrease the amount of readmissions within 6 months of discharge. Background: Causes for decreased readmission rates in Congestive Heart Failure patients have been evaluated in multiple studies. The evaluation of the current research showed having discharge education and post- discharge follow-ups decreased the rate of readmission within 6 months. There is a sufficient amount of evidence supporting the implementation of education upon discharge and follow-ups of Congestive Heart Failure patients. Data Source: Databases and search engines used included: PubMed, OneSearch, CINAHL, DogPile, and Google. Of 25 articles read, 10 articles were included in the review of literature. Results: Three specific forms of patient education were reviewed. These included a telephone follow up program, six months of continued patient education, and a plan tailored to the individual needs of the patient. All three interventions were effective in showing a decrease in readmission rates. Conclusion: Increased time of continued education is believed to be effective in decreasing the readmission of Congestive Heart Failure patients within 30 days of discharge