Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
04:24
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
12.2K
Assessing Health Literacy in Patients With Heart Failure and Potential Impact on Readmissions: A Quality Improvement
Lauren R Cooke1,2,3, Jennifer Sipe1,2,3, Janice M Beitz1,2,3
1Lauren Cooke DNP, RN, CCM , is Assistant Vice President of Care Coordination at AtlantiCare Health System, located in Southeastern NJ. She has been with the organization since 2008. Lauren has responsibility for Care Management across the enterprise (ED/Inpatient & Ambulatory), Inpatient Palliative, Transitions of Care, Post-Acute Services, and Rehabilitation Services (PT/OT/Speech).
Professional Case Management
|January 12, 2026
Summary
This study integrated health literacy screening into heart failure care, finding that targeted follow-up calls for patients with limited health literacy significantly reduced hospital readmissions. This highlights the importance of assessing and addressing health literacy in chronic disease management.
Area of Science:
- Quality Improvement in Healthcare
- Patient Health Literacy Assessment
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Limited health literacy is linked to increased hospital readmissions, particularly in heart failure patients.
- Social determinants of health (SDOH) are a priority, with housing, food, and transportation identified as key needs.
- There was a gap in understanding the impact of health literacy on social factors and readmissions for heart failure patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a health literacy screening tool for adult heart failure patients post-discharge.
- To determine if health literacy levels correlate with social determinants of health and overall health outcomes.
- To reduce hospital readmission rates by addressing health literacy gaps.
Main Methods:
- A quality improvement project involving Registered Nurse (RN) Transitional Care Managers (TCMs) screening heart failure patients using the BRIEF tool.
- Intervention included additional follow-up calls for patients identified with limited health literacy during the 30-day post-hospitalization period.
- Data collected from November 2024 to June 2025, analyzing 580 heart failure patients.
Main Results:
- Out of 580 screened heart failure patients, 19 had limited health literacy.
- The intervention of additional follow-up calls for patients with limited health literacy demonstrated statistical significance in reducing readmissions.
- The study captured baseline data on heart failure readmissions (19.02%) and SDOH screenings.
Conclusions:
- Integrating the BRIEF screening tool into RN TCM workflows effectively identifies patients needing additional support.
- Expansion of health literacy assessments is crucial for all chronic conditions, not solely heart failure.
- Care management, through patient advocacy and provider coordination, is vital for improving health outcomes, especially for those with limited health literacy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Health Literacy
5.2K
Health literacy is an individual's or a community's capacity to comprehend, receive, read, and use relevant healthcare information and services. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. As a result, the WHO helps individuals manage long-term health concerns, participate in preventative...
5.2K
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
410
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
410
01:28Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management
300
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. This condition can arise from various causes, including rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, or degenerative valve disease. Effective nursing management is crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and involves comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed...
300
01:29Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
311
Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
311
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
246
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
246
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
262
AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
262