Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent, costly public health concern in the United States1 that continues to be the leading cause of hospitalization and rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge.2 Follow-up visits within 7 days of discharge are an effective care-transition intervention for reducing HF readmission.3 The American Heart Association guideline for the management of HF recommends a follow-up visit 7 days after discharge from the hospital as 1 of the interventions in preventing HF readmissions; however, hospital adherence to this recommendation varies significantly across the United States.4
The HF readmission rate in our unit was similar to the national rate of 21.6%.5 At our hospital, administrators are supportive of nurses improving care processes that may affect unplanned readmissions for this patient population. A process map of care of the patient with HF at discharge and follow-up was made to identify gaps in care....