Date of Graduation
Fall 12-18-2026
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Nursing
Program
Healthcare Systems Leadership DNP
First Advisor
Kelly Fox
Abstract
Heart failure is one of the leading cause of hospitalizations in the United States each year. Hospital readmissions for adults with heart failure are common within 30 days of discharge and can be related to lack of care coordination or inappropriate discharge instructions. Evidence suggests that nurse-led interventions are effective in improving patient self-care and reduction of readmissions. Patients being readmitted with heart failure negatively impacts health systems financially. This paper provides an overview of the incidence, cost of care, and health outcomes related to these readmissions. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides an evidence-based set of guidelines to improve heart failure outcomes and reduce readmissions through discharge instructions provided by nurses and care coordination set up by case management. Incorporating the AHA guidelines into the electronic health record may significantly reduce readmissions and improve health outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Recommended Citation
Manzo-Luna, Hilda, "Integrating Evidence-Based Congestive Heart Failure Guidelines in the Electronic Health Record for Discharge Planning: Integrative Review" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 388.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/388
