Identification and Follow up of Prescribed Medications that Potentially Exacerbate Heart Failure: A Quality Improvement Project

ConclusionsMedication regimes are complex yet careful review of non- HF medications and frequency of use is critical to ensuring HF success. Strategies to promote medication review with early identification of potential medications that can exacerbate HF and facilitate communication with prescribing providers are necessary. Since implementation of this intervention we have expanded education among the nursing staff to promote awareness and have included pharmacy and nursing students into the medication review process to identify medications associated with HF exacerbation.ResultsA total of 86 HF patients’ records were reviewed with 44 HF patients followed during the process change. Patients were 77 (SD + 7.9) years of age, 57% male, 53.5% HFpEF and 18.6% improved (LVEF of 40-50%). Patients were on a median of 16 medications including PRNs (range 6-47). Prior process change medications associated with a HF exacerbation were prescribed in 64% (27) of the patients with 28.5% (12) having one medication and 35.7% (15) two or more. Of the medications prescribed 9 were identified as having a potential for a major magnitude of effect and 13 major to moderate effect. During the process change 43.2% (19) patient had medications prescribed associated with a HF exacerbation with 36.3% (16) having one medication and 7% (3) two or more. Two medications were identified as having a major magnitude of effect and 11 major to moderate HF effect. The most frequent medications prescribed we...
Source: Heart and Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research