The Optimization of Medications in Chronic Heart Failure Using a Website

The Optimization of Medications in Chronic Heart Failure Using a Website

Heart failure (HF) is the most common hospital discharge diagnosis among older adults in the United States. Strikingly, 2 in 5 patients are readmitted within 1-year following their first HF admission. This results in significant potentially avoidable costs to our already strained healthcare system since hospitalizations result in 70% of yearly HF management costs. One of the most common causes of readmission is lack of medication optimization. This study will determine the effectiveness of a medication optimization website.

In a prospective design, 100 patients will be randomized to the intervention or usual care in a 1:1 fashion. Patients randomized to the intervention will receive an evidence-based medication recommendation intervention. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline and at 2 weeks post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) </= 40%

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• active cancer with a life expectancy less than 12 months
• hospice
• chronic inotropic therapy