Trends in Avoidable Hospitalizations for Heart Failure in Switzerland
Author Information
Author(s): Gaillard Lionel, Maung Ko Ko, Mauron Charlène, Marques-Vidal Pedro, Gouveia Alexandre
Primary Institution: Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne
Hypothesis
What are the trends, determinants, and consequences of potentially avoidable hospitalizations for heart failure in Switzerland over two decades?
Conclusion
The number of potentially avoidable hospitalizations for heart failure in Switzerland has increased steadily, indicating a significant medical and financial burden that could be reduced with better outpatient care.
Supporting Evidence
- Admission rates for potentially avoidable hospitalizations increased from 54.5 per 10,000 admissions in 1999 to 117.6 in 2018.
- Patients admitted with potentially avoidable hospitalizations for heart failure became older over the study period.
- The costs related to potentially avoidable hospitalizations for heart failure were estimated at over CHF 170 million in 2018.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people with heart failure are going to the hospital when they could be treated at home, and this is costing a lot of money.
Methodology
The study analyzed hospital discharge data from Switzerland from 1998 to 2018, focusing on potentially avoidable hospitalizations for heart failure.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to exclusion of hospitalizations with missing data.
Limitations
The study is observational, may have inaccuracies in data, and results may not be applicable to other countries.
Participant Demographics
49.1% women, 55.8% aged over 80, mostly Swiss nationality.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website