Evaluation of post-discharge follow-up and clinical outcomes in patients: a comparative analysis of two strategies
Background: Hospital discharge is a vulnerable moment often marked by poor communication and limited patient education. Information and Communication Technologies, like instant messaging, offer scalable tools to improve continuity of care and reduce rehospitalizations. Objective: To evaluate the eff...
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| Autores principales: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés Español |
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Universidad Nacional Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Secretaria de Ciencia y Tecnología
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/med/article/view/48863 |
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| Sumario: | Background: Hospital discharge is a vulnerable moment often marked by poor communication and limited patient education. Information and Communication Technologies, like instant messaging, offer scalable tools to improve continuity of care and reduce rehospitalizations.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve medication adherence, survival, and prevent rehospitalization through a post-discharge follow-up program.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in adults discharged from general hospitalization or ambulatory surgery. The intervention group received four weekly educational messages via instant messaging; the pre-intervention group received only a follow-up form. Measured outcomes included response rate, medication adherence, appointment attendance, rehospitalization, and quality of life.Results: 278 patients were included (154 pre-intervention, 124 intervention), with no major differences in age, sex, or residence. Orthopedics was the most common discharging specialty. Follow-up attendance was similar (84.03%). At 30 days, the probability of avoiding rehospitalization was 95.92% in the intervention group (95% CI: 89.49%–98.45%; p = 0.776). However, the intervention group showed a higher rate of non-response (20.97% vs. 5.19%; p < 0.001) and lower contact effectiveness (79.03% vs. 94.81%; p < 0.001). A significant shift toward messaging apps was observed during the intervention period (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: While messaging showed potential, findings underscore the continued importance of phone-based follow-up and the need for hybrid, patient-centered communication strategies. Future interventions should tackle engagement barriers and consider risk-based approaches with extended follow-up to maximize impact. |
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