Friday, 26 July 2019
Diana Lyn Baptiste, DNP, MSN, RN
Department of Acute and Chronic Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
Janelle Akomah, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
Purpose: The global burden of heart failure is growing with an estimated distribution of 26 million adults living with heart failure worldwide. Heart failure is a burdensome condition, affecting more than 6 million Americans, contributing to nearly 300, 000 deaths each year. The prevalence of heart failure projected to increase 25% by 2030, with 50% of patients having a 5-year mortality rate from the time of initial diagnosis. Thirty day readmission contributes to more than $15 billion dollars in health care expenditures in the U.S. underscoring a need for the development and implementation of programs that reduce readmission and improve outcomes for individuals with heart failure. The purpose of this feasibility study was to implement a nurse-led heart failure education program focused in promoting follow-up care for patients with a goal of improving patient attendance to a transitional care clinic and reducing 30-day readmission.
Methods: A convenience sample of (N=22) patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure or fluid volume excess were invited to participate. Heart failure education sessions were provided prior to hospital discharge. Descriptive statistics, attendance to transitional care clinic, and 30-day hospital readmission were evaluated.
Results: Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS® version 24. The mean age was 64 years old with 59% were female and 41% male. There was some improvement but, no statistical significance in attendance to the transitional care clinic in the post intervention period. There was statistical significance for a reduction in 30-day hospital readmission (p=< 0.05) in the post intervention period.
Conclusion: A well designed plan for transitional care remains a critical component of patient care necessary to improve post-discharge follow-up and reduce 30-day readmission. Future implications may reveal new material to present to patients upon hospital discharge. Nurses are uniquely qualified to implement evidence-based patient education to promote the improvement of follow-up transitional care and reduce 30-day readmission.
