Page 11 - Symposium Flip Book_4.14.21

Follow-up Nurse Telephone Calls for Heart Failure Patients:

A Case Study

Dr. Danielle Schievelbein

Background/Significance: Approximately 5.7 million adults in the United States are living with heart
failure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). Identifying strategies to manage heart
failure and improve access to care is essential. While not routinely utilized, registered nurses can play an
important role in the follow-up of individuals with heart failure (Eastwood et al., 2017).
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the use of a nursing follow-up protocol

for heart failure patients using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-
AIM) Framework.
Design/Method: This descriptive single-case study qualitative research explored a follow-up protocol
developed for heart failure patients after discharge. Follow-up phone calls were completed on a weekly basis
for one month followed by a phone call to complete the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ).
Analysis/Results: Nine individuals were eligible for the study, with two individuals completing the study.
Content analysis was completed to determine common themes which included convenience, conversation,
and education.
Conclusion: Follow-up protocols might be advantageous for patients, healthcare facilities, and nurses;
however, more research needs to be completed. It is important, however, to consider patient experiences
when planning follow-up protocol, this would include the themes which were identified in this study

Implications for Nursing: Nurses need to be flexible, while having the opportunity to complete interventions
with a patient to ensure they receive individualized follow-up that directly benefits the patient. The
telephone call takes up significantly less time for a nurse compared to completing a home visit.

The speaker declares no actual or perceived conflicts of interest.