Abstract
[Introduction] The effectiveness of home health care for older patients with heart failure has not been investigated. In the present study, we investigated how home health care after hospital discharge affects the rehospitalization and death of older patients with heart failure. [Methods] The study included patients with heart failure aged 75 years or older who were admitted to an acute-care hospital and subsequently discharged to home. Descriptive statistics were performed for the characteristics on admission and discharge in an intervention group (Group I) and a non-intervention group (Group N). The Group I patients received home nursing and rehabilitation services for 14 days after discharge. [Results] Sixty patients discharged to home were eligible for the analysis. Group I comprised 8 patients and Group N 52 patients. For the total cohort, the median age was 89 years, and 50% were men. The rates of rehospitalization or death within 14 days after discharge were 0% in Group I and 9.6% in Group N. Within 30 days they were 50% and 21.2%, respectively. [Conclusions] Intervention with home health care for 14 days after hospital discharge was associated with a lower rehospitalization rate for patients with heart failure aged 75 years or older.ctive Descriptive Study
