The Importance of Improving Discharge Teaching to Reduce Readmission Rates in Heart Failure Patients

The role of the nurse during discharge teaching is of vital importance to help reduce readmission rates in heart failure patients. There are a variety of different methods that can be implemented to enhance the patient’s knowledge about their disease and how to manage it. This research project looked at the most effective techniques used by nurses in order to ensure improved knowledge and management. The studies analyzed were randomized control trails; each piece of research viewed a different method of teaching regarding heart failure management and its effects on readmission rates in heart failure patients. When examining the literature the results validated that when a new teaching method was implemented prior to discharge, there was an increase in knowledge about heart failure management. The recommendation for practice change includes the use of multimedia educational sources, handouts regarding medication adherence, verbal explanation of disease management, as well as routine follow up phone calls from a heart failure nurse specialist. The implementation of the teaching methods early on in the admission will allow for patient teach back and reassurance that the patient has received enough education to be able to manage their heart failure on their own