22 Apr Cognitive Impairment Linked to Readmissions For Heart Failure

Posted at 00:27h in Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Heart Disease, JAMA by

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Thomas H. Marwick, MBBS, PhD, MPH Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne, Australia

Dr. Thomas Marwick

Thomas H. Marwick, MBBS, PhD, MPH
Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute
Melbourne, Australia

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Marwick: Readmission for heart failure (HF) remains common and the risk of this remains hard to predict. It’s possible that existing risk scores don’t cover all important patient features. We confirmed that cognitive impairment was an unmeasured contributor and incorporated this measurement in a prediction model. The resulting model was the most reliable reported to date and could be used to identify patients who need the closest follow up to avoid readmission.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Marwick: Teaching patients about heart failure requires them to be cognitively intact. Sometimes impaired function is worsened by hospital admission. Being aware of this could identify patients who need extra care.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Marwick: Additional teaching methods in impaired patients may improve self care and reduce readmission

Citation:

Huynh QL, Negishi K, Blizzard L, Sanderson K, Venn AJ, Marwick TH. Predictive Score for 30-Day Readmission or Death in Heart Failure . JAMA Cardiol. Published online April 20, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2016.0220.

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Last Updated on April 22, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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