hOW CAN WE PREVENT RE-ADMISSIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: hOW CAN WE PREVENT RE-ADMISSIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: The approparite medical management, patient education, pre-discharge teaching; post discharge follow up.
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Medicare and Medicaid population; primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure; other diagnosis such as HTN, CAD, GERD may also be considered.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): no
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Prevent re-admissions and improve quality of life and possible early/pre-mature death due to poor aherence to diet, etc.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: Prevent early death. Also re-admissions within 30 days of discharge for the same DRG are not reimbursable, therefore we lose $$$.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): Sad to say the emphasis on preventing the re0admissions was primarily brought about due to financial impact. So, clinical management needs to improve to reduce financail strain.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): no
If yes, please explain:

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: standards being set that are backed up with solid research lend credibiity. Therefore, it may be an easier "Sell" to providers and nurses to take on what they may consider to be just additional workload.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: one year
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: generally this population may not have the social support structure needed.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): standards being set that are backed up with solid research lend credibiity. Therefore, it may be an easier "Sell" to providers and nurses to take on what they may consider to be just additional workload.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Organization

Effective Health Care Program