Quality of life improves for CHF program participants
According to a recent study, patients taking part in Humana’s congestive heart failure (CHF) education and monitoring program in the Chicago area experience improved quality of life when following treatment guidelines. Conducted by Cardiac Solutions, a subsidiary of Ralin Medical Inc., the year-long study shows that patients who followed the program experienced 58% fewer emergency department visits than they had before the program was in place. The program is part of a partnership between Humana and Cardiac Solutions.
CHF is a progressive and often fatal disease of the heart which mostly afflicts the elderly. Those with CHF must watch their diets and reduce physical exertion. In extreme cases, some become bedridden with the disease. More than 1,600 Humana members are enrolled in the CHF program in 15 Humana markets.
The role of the Cardiac Solutions nurse is an invaluable part of the CHF education and monitoring program, according to Jerry Reeves, MD, Humana senior vice president and chief medical officer. "Nurses will often call patients to help set up appointments, make referrals for other needed services, monitor their condition and continue the in-depth educational process that is essential to the success of the program." Home health nurses also visit patients’ homes when necessary, ensuring that all medications are being taken properly and answering questions about diet and exercise.
The study of 200 Chicago Humana CHF patients measured emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and length of stay. Sodium intake was also measured, as was the resulting improvement in the health of the patient. "Before the program was put in place, one in five CHF patients was admitted to the hospital at least once a month. Now that number has dropped by 58%," says Reeves. "That’s significant because it means the home-based, physician-directed, and nurse-monitored program is working. More importantly, it means the patient’s quality of life has been enhanced dramatically."
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