Document Type

DNP - Open Access

Award Date

2023

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Cynthia Elverson

Second Advisor

Brandi Pravecek

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Pediatric home health patients with chronic respiratory conditions often have a higher risk of developing respiratory tract infections leading to emergency room (ER) visits and unplanned hospitalizations. A sick day plan (SDP) can help nurses recognize signs of illness early and prompt them to intervene with supportive respiratory care, thus preventing worsening illness and hospitalization.
Methods: A SDP respiratory assessment and intervention tool was implemented in a pediatric home health organization. The number of pre and post intervention ER visits and unplanned hospitalizations were compared.
Results: The total mean ER rates over 1 year before project implementation was found to be 0.69 (SD = 0.046). The total mean ER rates after project implementation was found to be 0.33 (SD = 0.043). The total mean hospitalizations per week before the implementation of the SDP was found to be 0.46 (SD = 0.033). The mean hospitalizations per week after the implementation was found to be 0.33 (SD = 0.036). Nurses reported that the SDP was an acceptable, appropriate, and feasible intervention.
Discussion: Barriers to the project implementation included variability in nursing hours to complete training and a lack of a validated survey to assess family satisfaction with SDP implementation.
Implications for Practice: This project impacted the organization by reducing the burden of illness for immunocompromised populations and helped pediatric patients by reducing ER visits and hospitalizations.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Chronically ill children -- Home care.
Home care services.
Pediatric nursing.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2023 Katie Anderson

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