The Impact of Transitions of Care Pharmacist Services and Identification of Risk Predictors in Heart Failure Readmission

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and costly disease state for adult Americans, with 30-day readmissions rates for patients with HF utilized to limit hospital compensation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the transitions of care (TOC) service at our institution on 30-day all-cause and HF readmissions and identify predictive risk factors for 30-day all-cause readmission. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients aged 18 years and older admitted with HF and all subsequent readmissions between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017. A weighted logistic regression model was developed to determine risk factors for 30-day all-cause readmission. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in all-cause or HF readmission rates analyzed by TOC service involvement. Significant risk predictors for 30-day all-cause readmission included discharge to a rehabilitation facility (odds ratio [OR] = 9.3) or home with home health (OR = 1.6) versus home with self-care. Comorbidities associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission included diabetes, coronary artery disease, and aortic stenosis. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and spironolactone was associated with decreased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission. CONCLUSION: Identified predictors in the patient population with HF at our institution may be used to target patients at increased risk of all-cause readmission within 30 days.