Date of Conferral
4-20-2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Jonas Nguh
Abstract
This DNP quality improvement project aimed to reduce 30-day readmission rates for patients with schizoaffective disorder (SAD) by enhancing discharge planning interventions. Using pre- and post-intervention methods, the project compared readmission rates before and after implementing interventions and gathered feedback from patients and staff to identify barriers and facilitators. The intervention bundle included patient education, participation in psychotherapy or support groups, medication reconciliation, and the use of long-acting injectables (LAIs) during hospitalization and prior to discharge. Evaluation of postintervention data revealed that none of the 10 patients in the intervention group were readmitted within 30 days, indicating a significant reduction from pre-intervention rates suggesting the effectiveness of comprehensive, multidisciplinary discharge planning. The key success factors were the intervention components themselves, although the study was limited by its single-site design, short duration, and small sample size. Deliverables include patient education tools, support group resources, medication reconciliation protocols, and encouragement of LAI use. Recommendations are to expand the intervention across behavioral health units, integrate tools into electronic systems, maintain continuous quality monitoring, and support ongoing care coordination. The project underscores the vital role of nursing in care transitions and patient education and highlights the benefits of reducing preventable readmissions for patient safety, continuity of care, and health equity for individuals with SAD.
Recommended Citation
Norteye, Samson Laryea, "Enhancing Post‑Discharge Outcomes: A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce 30‑Day Readmission Rates for Patients With Schizoaffective Disorder" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19825.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19825
