Percent of Heart Failure Patients Given Discharge Instructions

What the graph is saying

For this measure, higher percentages are better. The graph above shows that St. Joseph's is consistent with the Minnesota average. St. John's is above the Minnesota average and Woodwinds is below the Minnesota average.

You can compare all hospitals' performance at the United States Department of Health & Human Services Hospital Compare web site. Its data will be slightly older than the data reflected on the HealthEast web site.

Why is this measure important?

Heart failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Before you leave the hospital, the staff at the hospital should provide you with information to help you manage the symptoms after you get home. The information should include your:

• Activity level (what you can and can’t do)
• Diet (what you should, and shouldn’t eat or drink)
• Medications
• Follow-up appointment
• Watching your daily weight
• What to do if your symptoms get worse

Description above from the United States Department of Health & Human Services Hospital Compare web site: www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov

* The "Top U.S. Hospitals" represent the top 10% of all hospitals reporting information to Hospital Compare.