Reducing Congestive Heart Failure Readmissions through Discharge Planning and Education

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a widespread problem among individuals, which, at the same time, consumes a considerable share of global healthcare demand. CHF management poses a persistent issue mainly due to the short interval of hospital readmissions four weeks after discharge, which indicates deficiencies in care transitions and patient education. This doctoral project addresses this topic and evaluates whether implementing patient-specific education and discharge planning programs can decrease CHF-associated hospital readmissions. To investigate the phenomenon, the DNP student completed a retrospective chart review, found an intervention, implemented said intervention, and then evaluated the intervention's effectiveness versus interventions already in place. The doctoral project outcomes are anticipated to bring meaningful insights into implementing evidence-based strategies to better manage CHF, improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions by 25%, and reduce healthcare costs. The doctoral project seeks to improve quality and patient outcomes through patient care and education and lessen the economic impact of hospital readmissions related to chronic heart failure. Providing comprehensive discharge education to patients and their family members helps close the gap in the transition of care between hospital and home, ultimately reducing CHF readmissions.