Study Outcomes - Study 8

Heart Failure DRG 127 Discharged to Home N = 70	72%	Reduction in readmissions in less than 31 days post discharge	Nationally recognized as one of top 50 hospitals - 787-beds, urban Milwaukee, part of larger system in WI.
	100%	Reduction in returns to the ER in less than 31 days post discharge
	18 hour	reduction in readmission LOS

ANNUAL PROJECTIONS
(Two Units of One Hospital)

Control group = 54	22.2%	readmission rate	48	readmissions per year
	3.7%	return to the ER	8	returns to the ER per year
	5.75	days LOS for readmit	5.75	days LOS for readmit
Careguide Group = 16	6.25%	readmission rate	14	readmissions per year
	0%	returns to the ER	0	returns to the ER per year
	5.00	days LOS for readmit	5.00	days LOS for readmit

Control Group is 1 quarter of retrospective data, 2001. Careguide Group is same quarter, 2002 Selection criteria: patients discharged to home weighing 300 pounds or less. Data collected by the hospital from medical records.

HIGHLIGHTS: Data shows a very positive trend in reducing LOS and readmissions, although the pilot was small. A larger group of CHF patients (46) received the kits, but were not included in the study because they were either discharged to homecare, SNF, or, on discharge, were given a code other than DRG 127. This hospital is preparing to purchase the CHF kit for outpatient as well as inpatient.