Expansion of Heart Failure Education from Hospital to Clinic

Author

Abigail M. Fischer, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Katie Wollerman

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Angela Andrews

Keywords

heart failure, education, self-management, self-care, patient teaching, cardiology

Abstract

Heart failure education is vital to the long-term management of this condition. Education recommendations for heart failure are given by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Recommendations include verbal instruction and written materials regarding the patient’s medication plan, recognition of symptoms, what to do when symptoms occur, and the importance of daily weights.

This project aimed to provide outpatient clinic providers and staff with resources and education necessary to educate heart failure patients. The project expanded use of an inpatient heart failure education packet for outpatient use. This was accomplished by conducting educational sessions for outpatient providers and staff about the contents of the educational packet. Staff understanding of the educational packet was evaluated using pre-tests and post-tests. The overall score on the post-test was 99%, an increase of 19% from pre-test scores. In this rural clinic, providers will now distribute educational packets to those newly diagnosed with heart failure. Medical assistants and nurses will distribute educational packets to patients previously diagnosed with heart failure for continued reinforcement from the inpatient setting. All patients diagnosed with heart failure, who present to the outpatient clinics within this rural hospital system, will now be properly educated about heart failure, be able to self-manage their care, and reduce hospitalizations.

Recommended Citation

Fischer, Abigail M., "Expansion of Heart Failure Education from Hospital to Clinic" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 279.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/279

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