New research may prevent hospital readmission after heart failure
Heart failure is serious and causes many deaths. It is also a disease that affects many and for which much of the resources in healthcare are used. New studies at Halmstad University show that one in three patients who have been hospitalized with heart failure is admitted again within 100 days. The researchers can also contribute with knowledge about how many of these unplanned admissions can be predicted and prevented.
"The idea is that patients will receive better care at a lower cost."
Farzaneh Etminani
In heart failure, the risk of further cardiovascular problems is greatest within 100 days, such as new heart failure, angina, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeat. A new study at Halmstad University shows which factors could be considered already at discharge, as these can be linked to an increased risk of new, unplanned hospital admission within 100 days. Being a woman reduces the risk, as does elevated blood pressure. Other factors that can be linked to an increased risk of readmission are age, certain hormone levels and other diseases such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
"These factors are examples of clear indicators for readmission," says Farzaneh Etminani, Associate Professor of Information Technology at Halmstad University and one of the researchers behind the current research.
The studies is an example of Halmstad University's research on information-driven care, where AI and data analysis are used to draw conclusions from health data.
