The present low-cost HF management programme reduced unplanned outpatient visits but proved ineffective in reducing subsequent readmissions and in improving clinical status. More intense follow-up monitoring and more resources are needed to achieve better results.
Aims: To assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, use of medical resources and quality of life in consecutive patients Ž . with chronic heart failure CHF hospitalized in a large community hospital during 3 months. Methods and results: The study Ž . group included 354 patients with CHF, admitted in the Departments of Internal Medicine 97% and Cardiology. Median age w x was 78 years 72;85 , 45% were males. CHF was the main diagnosis in 72%; 28% were in NYHA class III and 49% in class IV; w x 42% had atrial fibrillation. The median hospital stay was 8 days 5;14 , in-hospital mortality 9% in those admitted for CHF and 19% in those admitted primarily for other diseases. Patients with CHF occupied 15% of the beds; 1330 ECGs, 389 chest X-rays, 112 echocardiograms and 10 coronary angiograms were performed. A quality of life questionnaire revealed that 82% had problems with mobility, 54% with self-care and 88% with everyday activity. Thirty-nine percent of patients had at least one hospitalization during the previous year. Conclusions: Ninety-seven percent of hospitalized patients with CHF are admitted in the Internal Medicine wards and occupy 15% of beds. The majority of the patients are 72 years or older, with Ž . severe heart failure. The frequency of rehospitalization s and mortality rate in this population remains high. Echocardiography is performed only in 27% of patients. ᮊ
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