Discharge Instructions for Heart Failure Patients at HealtONE Hosptials in Denver, Colorado

Timeframe: January 2011 through March 2011
(Most Recent Data Available)

Timeframe: October 2009 through September 2010
(Yearly National and State Comparisons)

What Does This Measure?

The percentage of heart failure patients who received discharge instructions that cover appropriate activity levels, diet, medications, follow-up appointment, weight monitoring, and what to do if symptoms worsen.

Why Is This Important?

Heart failure is a chronic illness with symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. When patients understand and follow instructions for managing these symptoms, they have a lower risk of being hospitalized again for heart failure.

What Are We Doing to Improve Our Performance?

HealthONE hospitals have implemented several initiatives to maintain our high performance on this measure. These include:

• Electronic medication records
• Evidence-based medicine
• Nurse and physician training
• Patient safety and quality committee