Pilot Study: Avoiding Readmissions of Heart Failure Patients Across Transitions of Care

Author

Analiza Baldonado, California State University, Northern California Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Katherine Abriam-Yago

Second Advisor

David Ray Renfro

Third Advisor

Lori Rodriguez

Keywords

Avoiding hospital readmissions, Heart failure, Project RED, Re-engineered discharge, Quality care

Abstract

Background: A major problem facing the U.S. healthcare system is avoidable hospital readmissions. Patients with Heart Failure (HF) face variety of barriers to health care and are at higher risk for readmissions. To address this problem, evidence-based interventions focused on safe transition from hospital to home are needed.

Methods: A quality improvement pilot project was implemented to evaluate the feasibility of evidence based interventions in preventing avoidable readmissions. The project setting was in a 900 bed health care system. The descriptive statistical methods were means and frequencies. The Transition Coordinator (TC) enrolled a convenience sample of 30 participants. The evidence based interventions were Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) and the TC Advocacy Plan. Project RED has 12 elements to improve the hospital discharge process by reducing rehospitalization rates, promoting safety, and increasing patient satisfaction. The TC Advocacy Plan consisted of screening tools, HF education, teamwork, collaboration, and use of resources. It offered different strategies and interventions that strengthen the initiatives in avoiding readmissions. This initiative was supported by a collaborative team that included physicians, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists.

Results: Project RED 12 elements and the TC Advocacy Plan were all implemented. The identified trends in data were presented to key stakeholders. This possibly led to an enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration creating continuity of care in patient's seamless transition from inpatient to outpatient settings.

Conclusion: An intervention that incorporates Project RED and the TC Advocacy Plan may be effective in preventing avoidable readmissions, but further investigation is needed.

Recommended Citation

Baldonado, Analiza, "Pilot Study: Avoiding Readmissions of Heart Failure Patients Across Transitions of Care" (2014). Doctoral Projects. 55.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.aru9-m4e9
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/55