Early exercise rehabilitation among patients with acute heart failure: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION: Early exercise rehabilitation is crucial for minimizing complications, enhancing self-care abilities, and optimizing outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. OBJECTIVES: This study implemented evidence-based practices to improve early exercise rehabilitation in patients with acute heart failure in a cardiovascular department in Suzhou, China. METHODS: The project followed the seven-phase JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which uses audit and feedback as well as structured tools to identify barriers, enablers, and implementation strategies. A pre-implementation gap survey was conducted to assess current practice against evidence-based recommendations, followed by the implementation of strategies to improve adherence to the newly developed early exercise rehabilitation protocol. The project concluded with a follow-up audit to determine any improvements in practice. RESULTS: The survey revealed an overall protocol adherence rate ranging from 0% to 57.14%. Four barriers were identified, and various strategies were implemented to enhance adherence. The follow-up audit demonstrated an improvement in adherence, ranging from 30% to 88%, post-project implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The project demonstrated improved adherence to evidence-based early exercise rehabilitation protocols among patients. However, sustained efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term adoption of best practices, including regular nurse training sessions, managerial supervision, and periodic audits of early exercise rehabilitation programs. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A631.