Impact of Structured Discharge Education on Readmission Rates Among Cardiac Patients

Short Communication

Impact of Structured Discharge Education on Readmission Rates Among Cardiac Patients

Savita Ainapur ^1*
Suresh Loni ²
Ananda ³

1Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

2Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

3Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, SDS TRC and RGICD College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author: Savita Ainapur, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Citation: Ainapur S, Loni S, Ananda. (2026). Impact of Structured Discharge Education on Readmission Rates Among Cardiac Patients, International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Research, BioRes Scientia Publishers. 7(1):1-3. DOI: 10.59657/2997-6103.brs.26.140

Copyright: © 2026 Savita Ainapur, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: April 10, 2026 | Accepted: May 15, 2026 | Published: May 25, 2026

Abstract

Background: Cardiac diseases, particularly heart failure, are a leading cause of hospital readmissions worldwide. Inadequate discharge education contributes significantly to poor self-care and increased readmission rates.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of structured discharge education on readmission rates among cardiac patients.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 120 cardiac patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Patients were divided into control (n=60) and intervention (n=60) groups. The intervention group received structured discharge education including individualized teaching, written materials, and follow-up calls. The control group received routine discharge instructions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The 30-day readmission rate was significantly lower in the intervention group (13.3%) compared to the control group (28.3%) (p<0.05). Patients in the intervention group showed improved medication adherence and lifestyle modification.

Conclusion: Structured discharge education significantly reduces readmission rates and improves patient outcomes. Incorporating nurse-led discharge education programs into routine care is recommended.

Keywords: cardiac patients; discharge education; readmission; nursing intervention; heart failure

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Hospital readmissions, particularly within 30 days of discharge, pose a significant burden on healthcare systems. Studies report that approximately 20-25% of heart failure patients are readmitted within 30 days.

Inadequate discharge planning and poor patient understanding of treatment regimens are major contributors to readmissions. Structured discharge education, which includes personalized teaching, written instructions, and follow-up support, has been shown to improve self-care behaviors and reduce hospital readmissions.

Nurses play a vital role in delivering discharge education, ensuring patients understand medication adherence, diet, physical activity, and symptom monitoring. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured discharge education in reducing readmission rates among cardiac patients.

Objectives

To assess the readmission rates among cardiac patients.
To evaluate the effectiveness of structured discharge education.
To compare outcomes between control and intervention groups.

Hypothesis

H1: There is a significant difference in readmission rates between patients receiving structured discharge education and those receiving routine care.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

Quasi-experimental (non-randomized control group design)

Setting

Tertiary care hospital

Sample Size

120 cardiac patients (60 control, 60 intervention)

Sampling Technique

Convenience sampling

Inclusion Criteria

Patients diagnosed with cardiac conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
Age ≥ 30 years
Willing to participate

Exclusion Criteria

Critically ill patients
Patients with cognitive impairment

Intervention

Structured discharge education included:

Individualized teaching sessions
Printed educational booklet
Demonstration of self-care practices
Teach-back method
Follow-up telephone calls (weekly for 1 month)

The teach-back method enhances understanding and reduces readmissions.

Data Collection Tools

Demographic proforma
Clinical profile sheet
Readmission checklist
Medication adherence scale

Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics: Mean, frequency, percentage
Inferential statistics: Chi-square test

Results

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics.

Variable	Control (%)	Intervention (%)
Age > 50 years	60%	58%
Male	65%	63%
Hypertension	55%	57%
Diabetes	48%	50%

Table 2: Readmission Rates.

Group	Readmitted (n)	Percentage
Control	17	28.3%
Intervention	8	13.3%

Chi-square = 4.12, p = 0.042 (Significant)

Table 3: Medication Adherence.

Level	Control (%)	Intervention (%)
Good	45%	78%
Moderate	35%	18%
Poor	20%	4%

Discussion

The findings of the study indicate that structured discharge education significantly reduces readmission rates among cardiac patients. The intervention group demonstrated nearly 50% reduction in readmissions, consistent with previous studies.

A similar study reported readmission rates of 12% in the intervention group vs 22% in controls. Furthermore, meta-analysis evidence confirms that discharge education leads to statistically significant reductions in readmissions.

Educational interventions improve patient self-efficacy, medication adherence, and early recognition of symptoms, which are critical in preventing rehospitalization.

Conclusion

Structured discharge education is an effective nursing intervention that significantly reduces hospital readmissions among cardiac patients. It enhances patient knowledge, adherence, and self-care practices.

Recommendations

Implement structured discharge education protocols in all hospitals
Conduct follow-up through tele-nursing
Train nurses in patient education strategies
Future studies with larger samples and randomized designs

Limitations

Small sample size
Single-center study
Short follow-up period

References

Sumreen A, Asmat K, Victor G, Froelicher ES. (2025). Effectiveness of discharge education on 30-day readmission in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Health, Wellness and Community Research. 3(2):e90.
Publisher | Google Scholor
Mowery, B. D., Brand, E., Gisila, D., Healy, K., Mannaye, T. A., et al. (2025). Improving Discharge Education and Outcomes for Patients with Heart Failure. AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 125(3), 40-46.
Publisher | Google Scholor
Marques, C. R. D. G., de Menezes, A. F., Ferrari, Y. A. C., Oliveira, A. S., Tavares, A. C. M., et al. (2022). Educational nursing intervention in reducing hospital readmission and the mortality of patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, 9(12), 420.
Publisher | Google Scholor
Tran, H. H. V., Thu, A., Brilhante, M., Twayana, A. R., Fuertes, A., et al. (2025). Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Strategies to Reduce 30-Day Readmission Rates in Heart Failure Patients. Cardiology in Review.
Publisher | Google Scholor
Kim H, et al. (2023). Effectiveness of teach-back method on readmission among heart failure patients. Patient Educ Couns.
Publisher | Google Scholor

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