633 Discussion III
Evidence-Based Guidelines for Quality Improvement
Michael Moates, Ed.D.
Herzing University
Safety and Quality (NSG633-7H)
Dr. Aubrey Fox
September 15, 2025
One area of quality improvement I identified is reducing hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure. Readmissions are often linked to poor discharge planning, inadequate patient education, and limited follow-up care. Evidence-based guidelines provide structured recommendations that can guide nursing interventions to address these issues. The American Heart Association (AHA, 2022) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ, 2021) publish guidelines that emphasize standardized discharge education, early follow-up appointments, and medication reconciliation as best practices to reduce readmissions.
To support these strategies, I searched the Herzing library and located a peer-reviewed quantitative study by Huynh, Karmen, and Fonarow (2022), which examined the effectiveness of a transitional care program for heart failure patients. The researchers found that structured nurse-led education combined with follow-up phone calls significantly reduced 30-day readmission rates compared to standard discharge procedures. This study provides empirical support for guideline recommendations that emphasize continuity of care and patient-centered education.
The connection between evidence-based guidelines and this research is clear. Both emphasize the importance of nurse involvement in discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care as essential components of improving outcomes. Implementing interventions based on these guidelines and supported by quantitative research ensures that quality improvement initiatives are grounded in proven strategies rather than trial and error. This approach not only improves patient health outcomes but also reduces costs associated with preventable hospital readmissions, aligning with the broader goals of value-based care.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2021). Care coordination. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.ahrq.gov/ncepcr/care/coordination.html
American Heart Association. (2022). Heart failure professional guidelines. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
Huynh, C., Karmen, C. L., & Fonarow, G. C. (2022). Transitional care interventions for heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart & Lung, 55, 64–74.