Date

Summer 2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Rhonda Johnson

Abstract

Problem Statement: Heart Failure contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of the adult population and is one of the leading causes of 30-day readmissions. The cost of heart failure is a substantial healthcare burden. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine if implementing the “Rise Above Heart Failure” educational program would improve heart failure knowledge, weight monitoring, and reduced re-admission rates in heart failure patients. Methods: A pre-test and post-test survey named The Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale was utilized. Van der Wal, Jaarsma, Moser, and Van Veldhuisen (2005) developed this questionnaire to evaluate patients' knowledge. The Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale is a 15-item, self-administered questionnaire covering heart failure knowledge items. This consisted of knowledge of heart failure including diet and fluid restriction, medication compliance, exercise regimen, heart failure symptoms, and symptoms recognition. Inclusion Criteria: English-speaking, males and females between 20-75 years of age, with a current diagnosis of heart failure and a BMI ≥ 30 and taking oral heart failure medications. The evidence-based project entailed a knowledge assessment and incorporated lifestyle modification behaviors by the Doctor of Nursing Practice student over a two-month period. All participants were asked to complete a Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale and record their weight daily. Analysis: Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate if the participants exhibited an increase in knowledge as evidenced by an increased Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Score, increased weight monitoring, and decreased 30-day re-admissions. Implications For Practice: Heart failure research has found that knowledge improvement and frequent follow-up improved heart function, ensured better treatment outcomes, decreased readmissions, improved the quality of life, and reduced mortality and morbidity among patients (Oyanguren et al., 2016).

Rights

© 2022, Tracy Bennett McLeod

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