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Best Practice For Post-Operative Surgical Site Infection Prevention, Scott Cavinder May 2023

Best Practice For Post-Operative Surgical Site Infection Prevention, Scott Cavinder

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

It is estimated that 300 million surgical procedures take place annually throughout the globe (Gillespie et al., 2021). However, the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) developing in surgical patients within 30 days of surgery have been estimated to be upwards of 11% (Gillespie et al., 2021). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to address the PICOT question: In patients who have undergone cardiothoracic or vascular surgery (P) does implementation of an evidence based post-operative care bundle (I) as compared to current clinical agency practice standards (C) result in a decrease of SSI (O) over a 12-week period …


A Smartphone Intervention To Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates In Adult Patients Who Have Heart Failure, Jami L. Crisman Apr 2021

A Smartphone Intervention To Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates In Adult Patients Who Have Heart Failure, Jami L. Crisman

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of 30-day hospital readmission, with up to 23.5% of Medicare beneficiaries requiring subsequent admission within 30 days post hospital discharge (CMS, 2020a). Mobile-health applications (MHA), such as smartphone applications, have emerged as cost-effective methods to safely manage chronic disease in the outpatient setting (Inglis et al., 2015). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to evaluate the impact of a MHA on HF-related 30-day readmission rates. The Iowa Model Revised guided the implementation of the project in a rural, for-profit hospital in Northwest Indiana. An extensive literature search was conducted, and …


Hypertension Management: Improving Medication Adherence Through The Use Of Daily Text Messages, Gaelle Bulabula Apr 2021

Hypertension Management: Improving Medication Adherence Through The Use Of Daily Text Messages, Gaelle Bulabula

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of hospitalization and is responsible for approximately 50% of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (Al-Noumani, et al., 2018). Uncontrolled HTN can lead to comorbidities including ischemic heart disease, renal disease, or life-threatening arrythmias (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). The leading cause of HTN is medication non-compliance (Varleta, et al., 2017). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine the effectiveness of daily text messages on antihypertensive medication adherence. A comprehensive review of literature generated ten high-level evidence studies demonstrating that daily text messages near each medication dosing time is best practice for improving …


Effect Of Lifestyle Modifications On Blood Pressure And Bmi In Overweight Or Obese Adults With Primary Hypertension, Mariska Vandenbergh Apr 2020

Effect Of Lifestyle Modifications On Blood Pressure And Bmi In Overweight Or Obese Adults With Primary Hypertension, Mariska Vandenbergh

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension (HTN) and obesity contribute to poor cardiovascular outcomes which can be managed with diet and exercise lifestyle changes. In addition, self-awareness (SA) of eating patterns can be a useful tool to promote adherence to lifestyle changes. The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of lifestyle education, the DASH diet, and tools to increase SA for adult clinic patients who were overweight with hypertension. The REAP and PIH tools were utilized to increase patients’ SA of their diagnosis and current dietary habits. A literature search over five databases was conducted and analyzed thoroughly. National guidelines strongly recommend …


Health Literacy Screening To Increase Antihypertensive Medication Adherence, Boyann Bonjean May 2019

Health Literacy Screening To Increase Antihypertensive Medication Adherence, Boyann Bonjean

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, heart attack, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Abegaz et al., 2016; Weir, 2014; Whelton et al., 2017). Evidence indicates that 30 to 50% of people who are prescribed antihypertensive medication therapy are nonadherent (Hedna et al., 2015). Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications is a major contributor to hypertension treatment failure (Al Ghurair et al., 2012; Hu, 2016; Whelton et al., 2017). Evidence has shown that low health literacy may impact antihypertensive therapy (Slade, 2017). The purpose of this EBP project was to provide an organizational change by implementing a health …


A Lifestyle Modification Program For Adult Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Amanda M. Yarbrough May 2019

A Lifestyle Modification Program For Adult Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Amanda M. Yarbrough

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

As a leading cause of death worldwide, coronary artery disease affects people of all races and ethnicities. The foundation for the prevention of secondary fatal cardiac events, such as stroke or myocardial infarction, is lifestyle modification to effectively lower cholesterol levels. Lifestyle change impacts diet, physical activity, smoking habits, vital sign measures, and stress management. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to reduce implement a lifestyle intervention to lower LDL-C levels and promote healthier lifestyles. This practice change was developed utilizing Stetler’s Research Utilization model to promote evidence-based practice changes in the clinical setting. Nola Pender’s Health Promotion …


The Effect Of Heart Failure Education On Knowledge And Readmission, Sara A. Golden May 2016

The Effect Of Heart Failure Education On Knowledge And Readmission, Sara A. Golden

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic progressive disease affecting over 5 million individuals with an expected increase in incidence as the population ages (Yehle & Plake, 2010). The costs associated with managing HF continue to increase and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have attempted to identify ways to improve patient management of HF to reduce the revolving door of hospital readmissions and decrease expenditures. According to 2006 data, as many as one fourth of the Medicare beneficiaries discharged from acute care to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days and the majority …


The Effects Of Implementing Best Practices On 30-Day Readmission Rates In Adults Following Cabg Surgery, Linda Elaine Kline May 2015

The Effects Of Implementing Best Practices On 30-Day Readmission Rates In Adults Following Cabg Surgery, Linda Elaine Kline

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is one of the most frequent and expensive cardiac surgical procedures in the U.S. today. Complications from CABG surgery are one of the top causes of 30-day hospital readmissions. Readmissions after CABG surgery are often preventable and add to health care costs. Recent government legislation mandates penalties for hospitals with excess readmission rates. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if implementation of best practice recommendations effected 30-day readmission rates following CABG surgery. A critical appraisal of the literature was conducted to identify best practice recommendations. The Iowa model and Lewin’s …


Effects Of An Apn-Led Amiodarone Clinic On Adherence To Recommended Monitoring Guidelines, Melissa Bartoszewicz May 2014

Effects Of An Apn-Led Amiodarone Clinic On Adherence To Recommended Monitoring Guidelines, Melissa Bartoszewicz

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Evidence shows that patients receiving amiodarone therapy have not adhered to monitoring guidelines set forth by the Heart Rhythm Society. Uncertainty with responsibility for monitoring has led to the development of pharmacist-managed or multidisciplinary-managed outpatient amiodarone clinics. Some limitations have been identified in the pharmacist-managed outpatient clinics that may be overcome by advanced practice nurse (APN)-managed clinics. The purpose of this EBP project was to determine what effects an APN-led amiodarone clinic would have on adherence to amiodarone monitoring guidelines. Using the PICOT format, the clinical question was developed: Does enrollment in an amiodarone clinic compared with “usual care” change …


The Effect Of Heart Failure Education On Reducing Readmissions, Mayola Lara Villarruel Aug 2013

The Effect Of Heart Failure Education On Reducing Readmissions, Mayola Lara Villarruel

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Management of heart failure is a significant financial challenge for the health care industry, costing approximately $33.2 billion annually. Common reasons for preventable heart failure readmissions include inadequate discharge education and lack of self-care and health management activities. Education at discharge is a vital component of improving heart failure outcomes. Following a review of the literature, high quality evidence supports that heart failure education should focus on medication adherence, sodium and fluid restriction, daily weights, activity tolerance, identification of deteriorating signs and symptoms of heart failure, and smoking cessation. The purpose of this EBP project was to reduce heart failure …