Impact of a Virtual Heart Failure Unit on Mortality Rates.

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is a major cause of mortality in in Australia. In November 2021, a dedicated virtual heart failure unit (VHFU) was created at Northern Health to reduce inpatient length of stay and up-titrate guideline-directed medical therapy. We sought to assess change in HF over time and impact of VHFU on mortality. Method(s): A retrospective audit of unplanned admissions to the cardiology department with acute decompensated HF across two time periods (TP1: July 2018-December 2019 and TP2 November 2021-January 2024) excluding COVID period. Mortality data was collected until February 2024. Result(s): A total of 641 patients were admitted across both time periods. 143 patients were admitted to VHFU (63% male vs 37% female) and 498 patients were not admitted to the VHFU (59% male vs 41% female). There was no significant difference in the age (72 vs 72, p=0.27) or gender (63% vs 59%, p=0.43) in patients admitted to VHFU and those discharged home. At 30 days post-discharge, mortality rate for VHFU was 0.1% (vs 4%) and at 360 days mortality rate for VHFU was 8% (vs 14%). A Cox-Proportional Hazard model showed VHFU adjusting for age, gender, and time period, was associated with a 60% lower mortality rate (Figure 1, Table 1). Conclusion(s): Patients admitted to VHFU had a 60% lower mortality rate compared to those not admitted to the VHFU. Accounting for age, gender and VHFU admission, mortality remained stable from TP2 vs TP1. [Formula presented] [Formula presented]Copyright � 2024