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Quality and Safety

Heart Failure Patients Given Discharge Instructions

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InstitutionRating
U.S. Average174%
N.C. Average277%
Top Hospitals398%
Duke Raleigh Hospital79%
Duke University Hospital95%
Durham Regional Hospital86%

The rates displayed in this graph are for discharges October 2007 through September 2008. Source: hospitalcompare.hhs.gov
(1) The U.S. average includes all reporting hospitals in the United States.
(2) The N.C. average includes all reporting hospitals in the state of North Carolina.
(3) "Top Hospitals" represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. These hospitals achieved 98% or better on this measure.

What Does This Measure?

The percentage of eligible heart failure patients who received discharge instructions addressing activity level, diet, medications, follow-up appointment, weight monitoring, and what to do if symptoms worsen.

Why Is This Important?

Heart failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. When patients understand and follow instructions for managing these symptoms, they have a lower risk of being hospitalized again for heart failure.

What Are We Doing to Improve Our Performance?

Duke has enacted several initiatives to improve our performance. These include:

More Information

About This Page

Published: Mar. 6, 2008
Updated: June 19, 2008
URL: http://www.dukehealth.org/AboutDuke/quality/performance_measures/heart_failure/discharge_instructions