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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
The Heart Failure Journey Board to Discharge
Clare Kranz1, Delois Spencer, Shea Polancich
1University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City (Dr Kranz); University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (Mss Spencer and Curry); and University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (Drs Polancich and Miltner).
Background:
Patients with heart failure (HF) require lifestyle changes to improve functional status and health outcomes.
Local Problem:
Heart failure was the most common readmitting diagnosis, with costs per patient of $5332, length of stay (LOS) of 5.9 days, and readmission rate of more than 30%.
Implementation:
The purpose was to adapt and implement a journey board discharge tool for adults with HF.
Methods:
A journey board was created, piloted, and trialed on 1 nursing unit. Large journey boards were attached to communication boards in patient rooms for nurses to mark off topics, listed in the form of a tile (n = 19), as complete following education sessions.
Results:
Nurses reported the tool helped them know what educational topics were covered by previous shifts. Following implementation, the average LOS was 5.3 days, patient cost per patient was $4848, and readmission rate was 28%.
Conclusions:
Utilizing journey board discharge education tools with patients can improve communication and evidence-based self-care instruction.
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