Front Loading Visits: A Best Practice Measure to Decrease Rehospitalization in Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Home care agencies are under pressure to deliver high-quality care with outcomes that demonstrate reduced patient rehospitalization. One approach found to be successful in reducing rehospitalization of heart failure patients is front loading visits. Our recent study showed front loading was effective for patients with heart failure, dramatically decreasing rehospitalization by more than one half (30.4% to 16%). Other methods utilized to enhance front loading are supplementation of visits with telehealth and/or telemonitoring and the use of established care paths. This article discusses the many challenges home care agencies face in implementing redesign and these best practice measures.

Keywords

front loading heart failure interrater reliability telephone assessment visit guidelines

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