An Initiative to Increase Nurse Knowledge and Decrease Postpartum Readmissions for Preeclampsia

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Maternal Health Outcomes
• Quality Improvement Projects

Background:

• Postpartum readmission rates for preeclampsia often exceed national averages.
• Effective strategies are needed to enhance nurses' knowledge in managing postpartum preeclampsia.
• Innovative educational approaches can improve patient care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an escape room-style educational intervention on nurses' knowledge of postpartum preeclampsia management.
• To assess the effect of this intervention on postpartum readmission rates for women with preeclampsia.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project was conducted at a tertiary hospital.
• Registered nurses (n=70) participated in an escape room simulation focused on preeclampsia care.
• Knowledge was assessed pre- and post-intervention using surveys, and readmission rates were compared to national data.

Main Results:

• Nurse knowledge regarding postpartum preeclampsia management increased by 10.5% post-intervention.
• The average postpartum readmission rate for women with preeclampsia during the project period was 1.49%.
• This rate was significantly lower than the national median of 3.55%.

Conclusions:

• Escape room education is an effective method for increasing nurses' knowledge of postpartum preeclampsia.
• This innovative educational approach may contribute to improved maternal outcomes by reducing readmission rates.
• Further research with extended observation periods is recommended to confirm the long-term impact on readmission rates.