Implementation and Review of Student Led Meds-to-Beds Intervention on Hospital Readmission Rates and Patient Satisfaction in Advanced Heart Failure

Abstract

Specific Aims: To evaluate readmission rates and patient satisfaction among patients with advanced heart failure that participated in the Meds-to-Beds program. To collaborate with hospital staff to enhance the transition of care process, explore barriers to adherence, and improve access to care. Methods: This study was a quality improvement initiative evaluating the transitions of care process in the advanced heart failure population at an academic medical center. The study included bedside educational counseling, medication delivery, and the administration of Counseling Surveys. These evaluated the patients’ current understanding, confidence in management, and satisfaction with education provided with respect to their discharge medications. Patients were included after an admission for decompensated heart failure that required prescription fills in the hospital outpatient pharmacy. The study evaluated patients who were discharged on weekdays between 800 – 1700 from February 1st to April 30th. Results: Eleven patients were evaluated, and six patients met requirements. These patients all completed the Pre-Counseling Survey and education however, only one patient was contacted for follow up. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest; Pre-Counseling Survey collected responses in respect to the patient’s understanding of their medications, confidence in managing their regimen, and satisfaction in educational services. These responses averaged, 8.5, 8.7, and 9.5, respectively. Only one Post-Counseling Survey was collected with responses of 10, 10, and 10, respectively. Conclusions: Significant conclusions regarding the primary objective are unable to be drawn due to a limited patient population and barriers to survey completion. This intervention identified multiple inaccuracies and inadequacies during transitions of care.