Predictors and Outcomes of Heart Failure Diagnosis in the Community When Compared to Acute Care Settings: Insights from Linked Administrative Health Databases

The authors aimed to investigate the differences in patient characteristics, care models, and clinical outcomes between heart failure (HF) diagnoses made in community settings versus acute care settings. Their findings revealed that a significant portion of HF diagnoses occur in acute care, particularly among older adults, women, low-income individuals, and those without a primary care provider, and this setting is associated with higher mortality and increased healthcare utilization. The study highlights the potential benefits of earlier HF diagnosis in community settings to improve patient outcomes.