Follow-Up of Patients with Heart Failure After Emergency Department Discharge

In an observational study, collaborative care by both a primary care physician and a cardiologist led to the best outcomes.

Effective strategies to reduce the risk for recurrent events in patients with heart failure (HF) have been elusive. Some data suggest that early follow-up after acute HF events might reduce the risk for hospital readmission (JW Hosp Med May 17 2010). In an observational study in 10,599 patients (mean age, 75; 50% men) discharged from a first emergency department (ED) visit for HF in Ontario, Canada, investigators assessed the relationships between the timing and type of follow-up and subsequent events.

A total of 8609 patients had some form of outpatient follow-up within 30 days after ED discharge: 76.6% with a primary care physician only, 6.2% with a cardiologist only, and 17.2% with both types of physician (collaborative care). Compared wi…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)