Post CABG hospital readmission

I found this article that studied predictors or risk factors for readmission after a CABG surgery. The study was done in 2011, and they determined post CABG readmission rates remained high. Consequently, this was a big problem since the procedure itself is expensive and the possibility for complications that influence readmissions are vast. Additionally, the readmission will ultimately not be covered if it falls within the 30 day limit established by medicare after the surgery, which further emphasizes the importance for nurses to be vigilant for possible complications or risk factors that indicate a complication. In 2004, hospital readmissions accounted for about 17 billion dollars out of the total 102 billion dollars paid by medicare that year. One can only imagine how those numbers are duplicated to present time. The results indicated that the most common reasons for readmission after a CABG were infection, heart failure, and other complications of surgical or medical care. As nurses, we  are responsible for preventing such occurrences. some ideas are to assess for complications, assess for comorbidities that can further cause complications such as Diabetes Mellitus. in situations like these, education is key! Educate and stress to the patient about the importance of proper glycemic control and the repercussions of failing to do so. Regarding heart failure, we can further educate the importance of following a drug regimen that is prescribed to them as well as emphasize the importance of contacting a physician in case they feel something wrong or if we detect the regimen is not functioning.

Source:

Hannan, E., Zhong, Y., Lahey, S., Culliford, A., Gold, J., Smith, C., et al. (2011). 30-day readmissions after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in new york state. Journal of American College of Cardiology , 4 (5).