Patient Education Reduced Early Readmissions for Heart Failure

Empowering patients with heart failure to manage their own health and optimize their treatment regimens after discharge from the hospital is an effective way to reduce early hospital readmission for heart failure, according to findings from an academic medical center, presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses in San Diego, California. 

Adults admitted to the Hackensack Meridian Health Center in Hackensack, New Jersey for episodes of acute heart failure were given the opportunity to enroll in a patient education program following discharge from the hospital. The intervention was prompted by a review of medical charts and post-discharge discussions with patients, which revealed that patients with heart failure were often unsure how to manage their care at home. The review also showed that face-to-face nurse-led education reduced 30-day hospital readmission rates and contributed to improved outcomes for patients with heart failure. 

The 60-minute educational session was designed to address specific needs based on individual patients’ treatment plans and their knowledge gaps regarding heart failure care. The study team used the American Heart Association discharge packet for patients with heart failure, which standardizes patient education, medication reconciliation, and follow-up care, as a foundation for the educational session. The teach-back methodology was used to assess patients’ understanding of the information.

Patients with heart failure who participated in the educational session within 72 hours of discharge from the hospital were less likely to be readmitted for acute heart failure episodes within one month than their counterparts who were not enrolled in the program. The intervention group had a 50% lower chance of readmission for heart failure within 30 days (6%) compared with the control group (12%). 

The researchers pointed out that patients’ insufficient knowledge regarding heart failure care and treatment regimens directly contributes to early readmissions and unfavorable outcomes in this population. They added that “the objective of this research project was not only to mitigate 30-day heart failure-specific readmission rates, but also to empower patients through education, thereby enhancing their quality of life and reducing overall healthcare costs.”