Association of a Transitional Heart Failure Management Program With Readmission and End-of-Life Care in Rural Japan

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Background: Evidence on transitional care for heart failure (HF) in Japan is limited.

Methods and Results: We implemented a transitional HF management program in rural Japan in 2019. This involved collaboration with general practitioners or nursing care facilities and included symptom monitoring by medical/nursing staff using a handbook; standardized discharge care planning and information sharing on self-care and advance care planning using a collaborative sheet; and sharing expertise on HF management via manuals. We compared the outcomes within 1 year of discharge among patients hospitalized with HF in the 2 years before program implementation (2017–2018; historical control, n=198), in the first 2 years after program implementation (2019–2020; Intervention Phase 1, n=205), and in the second 2 years, following program revision and regional dissemination (2021–2022; Intervention Phase 2, n=195). HF readmission rates gradually decreased over Phases 1 and 2 (P<0.05). This association was consistent regardless of physician expertise, follow-up institution, or the use of nursing care services (P>0.1 for interaction). Mortality rates remained unchanged, but significantly more patients received end-of-life care at home in Phase 2 than before (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The implementation of a transitional care program was associated with decreased HF readmissions and increased end-of-life care at home for HF patients in rural Japan.