What is important in the care of a patient with  heart failure?

The graph below demonstrates Anderson Hospital’s performance for each one of the treatment recommendations for heart failure compared to the performance of other hospitals nationwide.

Smoking Cessation Counseling/Instruction Discharge Instructions on Key Topics Prior to Discharge from Hospital Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function Ace-inhibitor (ACE-I) or Angiotensin-receptor- blocker (ARB) Ordered at Discharge for Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LSVD)

Heart Failure (CHF)

What is important when taking care of a patient with Congestive Heart Failure? Research shows that the following treatment guidelines help patients with congestive heart failure recover more quickly with fewer complications or lasting effects:

1. Smoking cessation advice or counseling. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of complications and death. National guidelines strongly recommend that the patient receive advice or counseling to quit smoking while in the hospital with congestive heart failure. This measure reports the percentage of patients that smoked anytime during the past year who received advice or counseling to quit smoking.  Back to top of page.
2. Discharge Instructions. Following a recommended diet and taking prescribed medications are important in controlling heart failure. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure is important so prompt treatment can be obtained. This measure reports the percentage of patients, diagnosed with congestive heart failure, who received written education or instructions on all of the following:
   
   • What activity level is recommended after discharge
   • What diet should be followed after discharge
   • Medications to take at home
   • Information about following up with the doctor
   • How to monitor weight
   • What to do if symptoms worsen
    Back to top of page.
3. Evaluation of the left ventricular systolic function. It is important to find out how strong the left lower part of the heart is pumping so the patient can receive correct treatment. This measure reports the percentage of patients, diagnosed with congestive heart failure, who have the left ventricle of their heart assessed. Back to top of page.
4. Ace Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker ordered for left ventricular systolic dysfunction. If the left lower part of the heart is not working normally, these medications can help the heart work better. This measure reports the percentage of patients, with a left ventricle that is not working normally, who receive either an ACE Inhibitor or Angiotension Receptor Blocker when they are discharged. Back to top of page.

For more information on these quality measures, please check Hospital Compare.

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