Associations between Subsequent Hospitalizations and Primary Ambulatory Services Utilization within the First Year after Acute Myocardial Infarction and Long-Term Mortality

Abstract

Healthcare resource utilization peaks throughout the first year following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data linking the former and outcomes are sparse. We evaluated the associations between subsequent length of in-hospital stay (SLOS) and primary ambulatory visits (PAV) within the first year after AMI and long-term mortality. This retrospective analysis included patients who were discharged following an AMI. Study groups: low (0–1 days), intermediate (2–7) and high (≥8 days) SLOS; low (p < 0.001 for each). Long-term mortality following AMI is associated with high hospital and low primary ambulatory services utilization throughout the first-year post-discharge. Measures focusing on patients with increased SLOS and reduced PAV should be considered to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords

• acute myocardial infarction
• healthcare resource utilization
• mortality
• prognosis