Question

Illness representation treatment beliefs medication adherence and 30 day Hospital readmission rates in adults with chronic heart failure

Were any physiological measurements collected from the subjects for the purpose of this study?

Answer 1

The answer is "NO"

No physiological measurements were collected from the subjects for the purpose of this study

To collect data on the dependent variable, a phone call was made to participants 30 days after their index hospitalization to determine if they had an unplanned readmission to the hospital within that 30 day period. For participants that reported readmission, the PI reviewed their hospital medical records for the admitting diagnosis
and reason for readmission.

At the designated time selected by participants or within one week of hospital discharge, telephone contact with all potential participants who expressed an interest in the study and provided their contact information was made. At that time, either the survey was administered, a voice mail message left or an appointment made for another time, as some individuals did not feel up to completing the 30 minute phone call at that time. During the call, the PI or research assistant highlighted the points of informed consent from the information sheet provided at initial contact and included: (a) a statement that the study involves research; (b) an explanation of the purpose of the study;
(c) an explanation that there will be no direct benefits and no anticipated risks to participation; (d) an assurance of confidentiality, anonymity; and (e) an assurance of the participant’s right to choose not to participate or to terminate participation at any time.
Additionally, elements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule for release of protected health information, in this study access to their medical records to determine diagnosis if readmitted, was included as part of the consent. When possible, telephone surveys were scheduled with the research assistant that made initial in-person contact to improve response rates.