Call to Reduce Patient Readmissions Post-Kidney Transplant Through Improved Self-Care

The overwhelming number of hospital readmissions thirty days after kidney transplantation as well as the risk of further readmissions, graft failure, and even mortality, are not being given the appropriate time, attention, and intervention. The literature review shows a correlation between complications and a lack of education and understanding post-transplant. The literature review also revealed that there is a 50-75% mortality rate associated with early readmissions and that a substantial 50% of readmissions are preventable (Hogan et al., 2019, p. 1). To reduce complications necessitating readmissions, this doctoral project was created and designed to increase self-care knowledge post-kidney transplant in a group of patients receiving a transplant at the Miami Transplant Institute, a part of Jackson Memorial Health System. The project was designed in alignment with the Chronic Care Model and Mayeroff’s Ingredients of Caring to ensure promotion of a kind and patient environment conducive for learning for patients and their family members. Project approval was obtained from the Jackson Memorial Nursing Research Council, the chief nursing officers, Jackson Memorial Health System Research Department, as well as the advanced practice providers and management team at the Miami Transplant Institute. The purpose of this manuscript is to raise awareness of the significant need of education post-kidney transplant, review the literature and current recommendations, as well as provide a description of the quality improvement project and its implementation. The manuscript will also include a data analysis, project evaluation, recommendations for future practice and quality improvement projects, as well as a plan for future dissemination.