The Advanced Practice Nurse Will See You Now

Impact of a Transitional Care Clinic on Hospital Readmissions in Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: 

There is a paucity of evidence-based, posthospital stroke care in the United States proven to reduce preventable hospital readmissions.

Local Problem: 

Follow-up with a provider after hospitalization for stroke or transient ischemic attack had low compliance rates. This may contribute to preventable readmissions.

Methods: 

A retrospective, descriptive chart review to determine whether an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-led transitional care clinic for stroke survivors impacted 30- and 90-day hospital readmissions. Readmissions between clinic patients and nonclinic patients were compared.

Interventions: 

The site implemented an APRN-led transitional care stroke clinic to improve patient transitions from hospital to home.

Results: 

The 30-day readmission proportion was significantly higher in nonclinic patients (n = 335) than in clinic patients (n = 68) (13.4% vs 1.5%, respectively; P = .003). The 90-day readmission proportion was numerically higher in nonclinic patients (12.8% vs 4.4%, respectively; P = .058).

Conclusions: 

The results suggest the APRN-led clinic may impact 30-day hospital readmissions in stroke/transient ischemic attack survivors.