Improved 30-Day Heart Failure Readmissions Following Implementation of an Advanced Cardiovascular Education (ACE) Academy. Issue 4 (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oliver, Beth; Travis, Arlene; Hughes, Ellen; Condrat, Lindsay; Ullman, Jennifer; Cohen, Bevin; Cartwright, Frances
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing care quality. Volume 37:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 306
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: electronic health record redesign -- evidence-based practice -- heart failure -- pathway -- readmission rates; Nursing -- Standards -- Periodicals; Nursing audit -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Nurse administrators -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-3631

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Heart failure readmissions are common, though some are preventable through evidence-based management. Local Problem: Despite outperforming national benchmarks for 30-day readmissions, compliance with an evidence-based institutional heart failure management pathway was inconsistent. The purpose of this project was to reduce 30-day heart failure readmission rates through an educational intervention and an electronic health record (EHR) redesign. Methods: The cardiac services nursing leadership team conducted an education and documentation needs assessment to identify knowledge gaps and practical barriers to effective utilization of evidence-based interventions for heart failure management. Interventions: This intervention included an Advanced Cardiovascular Education (ACE) Academy and an EHR workflow redesign for clinical and supportive nursing staff. Results: The 30-day heart failure readmission rates reduced immediately following the intervention, and rates continued to decrease over a 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: Even among hospitals outperforming national benchmarks, 30-day heart failure readmissions can be reduced and sustained with enhanced education and EHR redesign.