A comparative study of fluid management education before hospital discharge

ObjectivesWe examined if an education intervention [EduI] based on the Common Sense Model theoretical framework and 3-step action plan to control fluid-related symptoms and weight gain, decreased 6-month health care consumption.BackgroundHeart failure (HF) morbidity is often related to fluid overload.MethodsA 2-group comparative design with convenience sampling was used to assess rehospitalization (Hosp), emergency department (ED) and unplanned office visits. Analyses included regression models.ResultsOf 122 usual care [UC] and 122 EduI patients, mean (standard deviation) age was 65.8 (12.6) years. In multivariate analyses, first HF Hosp, total ED visits and ED visits for HF decompensation were lower in EduI compared to UC; p = 0.039, p = 0.025, and p = 0.001 respectively. There were no reductions in 6-month total Hosp or HF-related unplanned office visits.ConclusionsAn EduI with a 3-step action plan to control fluid-related symptoms and weight gain reduced first Hosp, total ED and HF-ED visits.