Evaluation of a Discharge Tool to Improve Provider Communication and Readmission Rates in Adult Heart Failure Patients.
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Authors
Walker-Rainforth, Emily
Schoening, Anne
Issue Date
2016-06-21
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Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic clinical syndrome that causes high rates of mortality, morbidity, and increased health care costs (Anderson, 2013). Heart failure patients frequently experience hospitalizations due to acute exacerbations. A high percentage of readmissions occur soon after discharge. Research is limited on characteristics related to HF and hospital readmissions (Anderson, 2013).
Hospital readmissions can be caused by multiple factors, such as errors made during medication reconciliation, not scheduling a follow-up appointment with a specific date and time at discharge or failing to communicate discharge instructions to primary care providers (PCP) at their follow-up appointment. Improving transition of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting is critical in reducing 30-day readmission rates in HF patients (Manning, 2011).
The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of using a discharge checklist for HF patients. Thirty-day readmissions in the adult HF population at a heart and vascular specialty hospital and regional medical center were monitored, as well as communication patterns between the inpatient discharging physician and PCPs. PCPs were surveyed regarding the utility of the discharge checklist.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University
Emily Jo Walker-Rainforth MSN, APRN- FNP owns the copyright to this manuscript submission.
Emily Jo Walker-Rainforth MSN, APRN- FNP owns the copyright to this manuscript submission.