Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Cheryl McGinnis
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with heart failure (HF) being one of the more prevalent diseases associated with heart disease. HF is reported to have a high mortality rate and presents an economic burden to the U.S. healthcare system. To improve patient outcomes and reduce the costs of treatment for HF-related symptoms, infusion nurses need adequate education and training. The purpose of this project was to train home infusion nurses on self-care management practices based on current HF guidelines. The Donabedian model, known for quality assurance, provided the framework to support the educational project. A panel of 4 experts were recruited to evaluate the program for content using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with an open-ended question for recommendations. The recommendations provided by each expert included symptom monitoring, fluid intake, medication adherence tips to improve medication compliance, and medication gold standards to treat HF. The feedback was incorporated into the final program to enhance overall program quality. Nine nurses at the local home infusion company in the Eastern United States participated in the 1-hour HF program on HF guidelines and self-care management practices. The Knowledge of Heart Failure Education Principles questionnaire was the tool used to measure participant pre and postknowledge. Analysis of the data showed a 13.9% improvement in the posteducation program test scores. Increasing the home infusion nursesâ knowledge provides a positive social change that can ultimately improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce hospital readmissions.
Recommended Citation
Mitcheltree, Mary, "Staff Education on Heart Failure Guidelines and Self-Care Management Practices" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9197.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9197
