Date of Conferral
6-19-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Catherine Fant
Abstract
Summary I designed this clinical practice guideline (CPG) doctoral project to address the critical practice problem of high readmission rates in a mental health unit at a large academic medical center. This quality improvement initiative focused on developing and evaluating CPG to improve discharge planning. I aimed to address gaps in continuity of care, inadequate discharge education, and limited post discharge follow-up, which had been identified as contributing factors to early psychiatric readmissions. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: What evidence supports the development of a discharge planning CPG designed to reduce readmission rates in a mental health unit? The purpose of this doctoral project was to create, validate, and evaluate a CPG designed to improve discharge planning processes and reduce readmissions. Analytical strategies used in the project included a comprehensive literature review, synthesis of evidence, expert panel review using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument, and stakeholder feedback. The findings showed strong support for the proposed CPG, with high ratings across items in all AGREE II domains. In the project, I produced a finalized CPG, expert feedback summary, and recommendations for future practice. Implications for nursing practice include the standardization of discharge planning, improved interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential to decrease costs associated with readmissions. Positive social change may be promoted by improving mental health outcomes in underserved populations, emphasizing health equity and continuity of care.
Recommended Citation
Mohamed, Zamzam, "Reducing readmission rates in a mental health hospital" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17942.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17942
