Transitional care post TAVI: A pilot initiative focused on bridging gaps and improving outcomes

Abstract

Interventions focused on ensuring safe transitions for patients from hospital to home can assist in providing continuity of care, preventing readmissions, and reducing duplication of services. Patients undergoing a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure are often frail, elderly, and have multiple co-morbidities. A pilot initiative evaluating transitional care strategies through telephone follow up was implemented in a tertiary centre with the aim to identify gaps and intervene, preventing re-admission and improving patient outcomes. TAVI patients or caregivers were contacted at 3 days and 30 days post discharge by an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). Telephone follow up centered on best practices for transitional care. Outcomes revealed fluid balance monitoring, medication management, and feelings of anxiety and depression post TAVI were the most frequent areas requiring intervention. Findings from this initiative reinforce the need to establish consistent processes that support elderly patient populations during potentially vulnerable points in the care trajectory.

Keywords: Aortic valve stenosis; Discharge processes; Frail elderly; Older adults; Transitional care.