Delirium and Functional Recovery in Patients Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities After Hospitalization for Heart Failure

Abstract

Key Points Question Is delirium associated with 30-day functional recovery in patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities after heart failure hospitalization? Findings In this cohort study of 20\u2009495 patients from the US Department of Veterans Affairs health system discharged to skilled nursing facilities after heart failure hospitalization, delirium was associated with poor functional recovery. The baseline Activities of Daily Living score on admission to a skilled nursing facility was significantly worse among patients with delirium; patients with delirium also had significantly lower Activities of Daily Living improvement from baseline to follow-up assessments. Meaning Study results suggest that delirium on admission to skilled nursing facilities after heart failure hospitalization was associated with poor functional recovery.