When patients come into the hospital with an illness or health problem, staff members must do all they can to help patients improve during their stay. Staff members must also ensure that patients take care of themselves upon leaving to prevent a rehospitalization.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a health problem that requires special care and follow-up for patients.
Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) in Iron Mountain, MI, and Smithville (TX) Regional Hospital (SRH) each decided to revamp their CHF discharge instructions to help avoid CHF patient readmission. As a result, both facilities saw a drop in their readmission rates and a general acceptance of discharge instructions from patients and staff members alike.