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Improving Home-Base Rehabilitation for Women 65 Years and Older with Congestive Heart Failure
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Abstract
Background: Low rehabilitation uptake for older people with congestive heart failure (CHF) is a cause for concern. Although cardiac rehabilitation services are available in some healthcare facilities, they are underutilized due to financial constraints, distance, poor health, and lack of information about CHF management. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine to what extent the implementation of home-based rehabilitation among women 65 years and older with congestive heart failure impacted exacerbation of CHF symptoms. Methods: Participants were identified by screening electronic medical records (EMR) to determine their eligibility. A pre-post-test assessment with a home-based rehabilitation to determine its effect on CHF exacerbation in a long-term care hospital offering CHF patient services. Participants were identified by screening electronic medical records to determine those who have been recently admitted because of CHF. The DNP student visited the patient at home initially with follow up done by telehealth. Results: Twenty patients were recruited, but one died of a heart attack, and one went to hospice for readmission due to breathing issues. Although the project did not achieve the objective of a 30% reduction in all CHF symptoms, there was a 35% reduction in reports of dizziness, fatigue, and weakness as well as a 20% decrease in trouble with breathing while lying flat. Conclusion: Home-based rehabilitation among women 65 years and older with CHF in this small project were effective in reducing CHF exacerbation among many of the participants.
Type
Capstone Project
Date
2024-05