Behavioral Factors and Hospital Admissions/Readmissions in Patients With CHF

Background: Wasted health care resources have become a central concern in American health care. Heart failure has one of the highest readmission rates amongst all conditions studied in Medicare/Medicaid populations. Objective: The present study was an attempt to cross-sectionally identify correlates of number of past-year admissions and 30-day readmissions in patients' with congestive heart failure. Methods: Eighty-four patients with congestive heart failure were recruited during hospitalization and underwent a semistructured interview for basic clinical/demographic information and completed several questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, and spirituality. Results: Depression, history of substance abuse, and history of coronary artery disease displayed borderline results as correlates of past-year admissions. Immediate memory and psychiatric history (positive Patient Health Questionnaire 9, acknowledged history, of treatment, and use of an antidepressant per chart) were associated with 30-day readmission rates. Indices of congestive heart failure severity (ejection fraction and last recorded B-type natriuretic peptide level) were not. Conclusions: Present results suggest that both a psychiatric history and cognitive impairment are possible determinants of early readmission.