Patient-reported experiences of heart failure patients regarding their pharmacotherapy following emergency department discharge: Red-IC-URG project.
Abstract
Objective
To assess pharmacotherapy-related experiences in patients with heart failure after emergency department discharge, as well as treatment knowledge, adherence, and understanding of treatment changes.
Method
Multicentre prospective observational study conducted in 11 Spanish hospitals between April 2025 and February 2026. Adults with heart failure discharged home after decompensation were included. A structured telephone interview 3-7 days after discharge collected sociodemographic data, medication management variables, Morisky-Green adherence, experience with discharge information, and healthcare follow-up within 30 days.
Results
Fifty-four patients were included; 57.4% were women and median age was 85 years (IQR: 75-87). Median number of discharge medications was 10 (IQR: 8-12), and perceived treatment complexity was 7/10 (IQR: 3-8). Overall, 38.9% did not know the purpose of their medications, 38.9% reported adverse effects, and 48.1% were adherent. Global experience with pharmacotherapy-related information was 9/10 (IQR: 8-10). Emergency department revisits at 30 days reached 31.5%.
Conclusions
Although overall experience was positive, relevant barriers persisted in knowledge, autonomy, and adherence, supporting more structured transitional interventions with active involvement of hospital pharmacists.