title: Extending the continuum of care in congestive heart failure: an interactive technology self-management solution.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to determine if an interactive voice response system (IVRS) with daily self-management and clinical monitoring messages would be well accepted by patients and reduce 30-day congestive heart failure (CHF) readmissions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Patient adherence to a treatment regimen contributes to successful management following discharge for CHF. Cost-effective, scalable technology solutions can be useful tools in reducing readmissions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty inpatients with a primary diagnosis of CHF were provided voice messages delivered via an Mp3 player. Following discharge, patients received daily IVRS messages with self-management tips based on self-reporting of symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Greater than a 50% reduction in the 30-day readmission rate was realized for intervention patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An IVRS self-management support system can be an effective technology to reduce CHF readmissions.
authors.affiliation: AudiaHealth LLC, 26 Bee St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA. lindaaustin@audiahealth.com
authors.forename: Linda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Catherine O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Landis
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Hanger
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D001835:Body Weight; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D055539:MP3-Player; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D013022:South Carolina; D055817:Telenursing / Q000379:methods*; D013689:Telephone