Develop An Intervention For Your Capstone Project

Develop an intervention (your capstone project), as a solution to the patient, family, or population problem you've defined

Develop an intervention as a solution to a health problem you have identified, supported by data and scholarly, evidence-based sources. Include considerations such as leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, policy, quality of care, patient safety, costs, technology, care coordination, and community resources. Submit your intervention proposal for faculty review and approval, and prepare a comprehensive 5-7 page analysis addressing the problem, its relevance, the role of leadership and change management, nursing ethics, strategies for communication and collaboration, adherence to standards and policies, expected improvements in care quality and safety, the application of technology and community resources, and supporting evidence from recent literature. Ensure proper APA formatting, include a title page and references, and proofread your work for clarity and accuracy.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The effectiveness of interventions in healthcare profoundly impacts patient outcomes, safety, and system efficiency. The development of a robust, evidence-based intervention is essential for addressing complex health problems, especially when these issues influence multiple facets of care, such as safety, quality, and costs. This paper proposes a comprehensive intervention aimed at reducing hospital readmissions among heart failure patients—a prevalent problem with significant implications for patient health and healthcare systems. The intervention integrates leadership strategies, collaborative efforts, communication plans, policy adherence, and technology application to ensure optimal results.

Problem Definition and Relevance

Heart failure readmissions are alarmingly high, often resulting from inadequate patient education, poor care coordination, and lack of effective follow-up. These readmissions not only jeopardize patient safety but also lead to increased healthcare costs and resource utilization. My decision to focus on this issue stems from its widespread impact, evidenced by data indicating that nearly one in five heart failure patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge (Benjamin et al., 2019). Addressing this problem aligns with my professional practice goals of improving patient outcomes, enhancing safety, and promoting system sustainability.

Role of Leadership and Change Management

Effective leadership is critical in implementing change within healthcare settings. Transformational leadership strategies, emphasizing vision, motivation, and team engagement, foster a culture receptive to new interventions (McCaffrey & Mohr, 2018). Change management theories, such as Kotter’s 8-step model, provide a roadmap to facilitate smooth transition, mitigate resistance, and embed new practices into routine care (Kotter, 2012). In this intervention, leadership will champion staff education, resource allocation, and continuous improvement efforts, thereby ensuring sustainable change.

Nursing Ethics and Development of the Intervention

Informed by nursing ethics, particularly principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, the intervention prioritizes patient safety and well-being. Respect for patient autonomy also guides shared decision-making processes, empowering patients to participate actively in their care plans. Ethical considerations emphasize the importance of equitable access to education and resources, ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind (American Nurses Association, 2015). This ethical framework enhances the integrity and acceptance of the intervention among stakeholders.

Strategies for Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are central to reducing readmissions. I propose the implementation of structured discharge planning meetings involving multidisciplinary team members—nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and social workers—to ensure comprehensive patient assessments and tailored education. Gathering input from patients and families provides valuable insights into their barriers and preferences, fostering trust and adherence (O'Connor et al., 2017). Utilizing teach-back methods and culturally sensitive materials can further improve understanding and engagement.

Standards, Policies, and Evidence-Based Practice

The intervention aligns with the American Heart Association’s guidelines for heart failure management and hospital policies mandating standardized discharge procedures (Yancy et al., 2017). State board nursing practice standards emphasize patient-centered care, competency in health education, and care coordination—principles embedded within this plan. Research supports that adherence to these standards reduces readmissions and improves outcomes (Bull et al., 2018).

Expected Improvements in Care and Safety

Anticipated benefits include decreased readmission rates, enhanced patient understanding, and improved safety through tailored education and follow-up. Literature indicates that comprehensive discharge planning and patient engagement reduce complications and emergency visits (Koci et al., 2020). Additionally, aligning interventions with quality metrics and cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrates systemic improvements, including reduced financial burdens on healthcare systems and patients.

Application of Technology and Community Resources

Leveraging telehealth technologies allows remote monitoring and timely intervention, particularly vital for heart failure management. Mobile health apps and electronic health records facilitate seamless information sharing among providers and patients, leading to proactive care adjustments. Furthermore, integrating community resources—such as local support groups and home health services—can address social determinants of health, improve adherence, and sustain health improvements (Sartini et al., 2020).

Conclusion

This intervention is designed to holistically address the multifaceted problem of heart failure readmissions by combining leadership, ethical practice, strategic communication, adherence to standards, technological integration, and community engagement. Grounded in evidence-based research, the proposed plan aims to improve patient safety, enhance quality of care, and optimize resource utilization, ultimately advancing healthcare outcomes.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
• Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., et al. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528.
• Bull, D., French, J. K., & MacMillan, H. (2018). Reducing hospital readmissions: Evidence-based approaches. Journal of Healthcare Quality, 40(3), 129–136.
• Koci, D., Skela-Savič, B., & Čukelj, N. (2020). Effectiveness of discharge planning to reduce hospital readmissions. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 107, 103576.
• Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• McCaffrey, R., & Mohr, C. (2018). Transformational leadership and change management in nursing. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(4), 385–391.
• O'Connor, N., Keleher, H., & Bannan, K. (2017). Promoting patient-centered care: Strategies for effective communication. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 23(2), 139–144.
• Sartini, D., de Oliveira, I. R., & Lemos, L. (2020). Community resources and telehealth in chronic disease management. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(10), 1192–1199.
• Yancy, C. W., Jessup, M., Bozkurt, B., et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA focused update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of heart failure. Circulation, 136(6), e137–e161.