A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Stroke Booklet Use, Reduce Readmissions, and Improve Patient Satisfaction

Author: Young Kim

Field of Study: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Faculty Mentors: Anne Fish

Easel: 85

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: After stroke/transient ischemic attack, patients face multiple challenges. The purpose of this study is to improve nurses’ performance of and compliance with patient education by increasing the utilization of a stroke booklet, education on medications to reduce the stroke readmission rate, and to improve patient satisfaction. A pre-test and posttest design was used to examine the impact of education strategies on stroke booklet use. The 30-day readmission rate and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems satisfaction scores and patients’ verbal responses were examined. In nurses, statistically significant improvements were found for stroke booklet use at admission and discharge, side effects, booklet familiarity, and time of booklet use. No one was readmitted in 30 days for stroke, and patient satisfaction was improved. Intensified education support to the nurses and post discharge follow-up phone calls could potentially influence the patients’ and families’ stroke outcomes.