A Nurse-Managed Discharge Program for Congestive Heart Failure Patients: Outcomes and Costs

Abstract

This experimental study determined the effect of a structured nurse-managed postdischarge program for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. The program consisted of telephone calls to participants in the experimental group 72 hours postdischarge, 72 hours later, and then every 2 weeks for 2 months. Patient self-care for CHF was evaluated. Data on unexpected office visits, emergency room visits, and readmissions due to exacerbation of CHF plus costs were collected. No significant differences were found. However, because quality of life did show improvement for the experimental group, this type of nursing intervention can improve outcomes for patients after discharge from the hospital.