Effect of Discharge Education on Quality of Life and Hospital Readmission in Patients with Heart Failure: Is It Effective?

Background: A relatively common disease, congestive heart failure has a significant effect on the quality of life. Given that hospital admission is an important problem in patients afflicted with congestive heart failure, we sought to evaluate the effect of discharge education on the quality of life and hospital readmission in this group of patients. Methods: Eighty patients admitted with decompensated heart failure were selected and divided into 2 matched groups. The quality of life scores were measured for each patient. Upon discharge and during the first week after that, the intervention group received 3 sessions of education. Both groups were followed for 6 months. Data on the readmission rate and quality of life scores were collected. Results: The baseline quality of life scores in the control and education subjects were similar (p-value: NS). The quality of life scores showed a significant improvement at 3 and 6 months’ follow-up in the education group. The hospital readmission rate, however, was higher in the control group at 3 and 6 months’ follow-up. Conclusion: The present study showed that discharge education could enhance the quality of life and reduce the rate of hospital readmission in those suffering from congestive heart failure. It is, therefore, advisable that self-care training and discharge education be incorporated in the heart failure management strategy.