Reference no: EM132734647

In October 2012, changes were made in Medicare payment rules. Hospitals are now penalized when a patient returns within 30 days for treatment of the same problem. One of the targeted medical diagnoses for this payment change is heart failure (HF). Therefore, it is essential that the interdisciplinary team be utilized to ensure a safe transition between the acute care setting and home for the patient with HF.

Part 1: Medication Adherence

Three common classes of medications used to manage HF are beta adrenergic blockers, diuretics and ACE Inhibitors. Why are these medications used to manage HF?

What are some common side effects of these classes of medications? Which of these side effects would be reported and why? Which side effects would not be reported and why?

Describe any special instructions that would be included with each class of these medications. For example, food-drug interactions and medications that should be avoided.

Which health care discipline, in addition to the RN, is best suited to help with medication adherence? How will this team member collaborate with the RN, the patient and the family to help promote medication adherence and a safe transition to home?

Part 2: Dietary Modifications

What is the role of diet in managing HF? What changes need to be made to the present diet? What role does culture play with diet?

What obstacles might be encountered when informing the patient about the changes in diet?

Which health care discipline, in addition to the RN, is best suited to help with dietary modifications? How will this team member collaborate with the RN, the patient and the family to help promote healthy eating and a safe transition to home?

Part 3: Physical Activity

What is the role of physical activity in managing HF?

How would the RN promote adherence to a daily physical activity routine?

Which health care discipline, in addition to the RN, is best suited to help with physical activity? How will this team member collaborate with the RN, the patient and the family to help promote physical activity and a safe transition to home?

Part 4: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Interdisciplinary Team

In detail, describe how the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary team would be evaluated for assisting the patient with adherence to medication therapy, dietary modifications and a physical activity program to prevent readmission to the acute care setting.