Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through a Telehealth -Enabled Post-discharge Follow-Up Program in an Adult Medical-Surgical Unit

Authors

• Helen T. IdowuFollow
• Helen Temitope IdowuFollow

Author Biographical Info

Helen Idowu is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cizik School of Nursing. My clinical and academic focus centers on quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and the integration of telehealth to enhance care delivery in acute care settings.

My current project, “Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through a Telehealth-Enabled Post-Discharge Follow-Up Program in an Adult Medical-Surgical Unit,” examines the impact of structured telehealth interventions on patient experience and continuity of care following hospital discharge. My work emphasizes reducing gaps in post-discharge communication and improving overall patient outcomes through evidence-based strategies.

My professional interests include healthcare innovation, patient education, and system-level improvements that advance equitable and high-quality care, committed to translating evidence into practice to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

2026

Faculty Advisor

Dr.Christen Goolsby DNP,ARRN,FNP-C

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effectiveness of a telehealth-enabled post-discharge follow-up program in improving patient satisfaction among adult medical–surgical patients discharged following arteriovenous (AV) fistula placement.

Background: Ineffective communication during transitional care contributes to poor patient understanding, decreased confidence in self-management, and lower patient satisfaction. Internal organizational data identified a baseline satisfaction rate of 55%, demonstrating the need for a structured post-discharge intervention.

Methodology: A 12-week QI initiative was conducted using the Plan–Do–Study–Act framework. Registered nurses completed standardized telehealth follow-up calls within 24–48 hours of discharge to reinforce discharge education, assess symptoms, and address patient concerns. Forty-eight eligible patients were enrolled, and 22 completed a QR code–based patient satisfaction survey. Descriptive statistics and run chart analysis were used to evaluate changes in patient satisfaction and follow-up completion rates.

Results: Patient satisfaction increased from 55% at baseline to 75% after implementation, a 20 percent improvement. The telehealth follow-up completion rate reached 85%, exceeding the project target of 80%. Patients reported improved understanding of discharge instructions, stronger connection with the healthcare team, and greater confidence in self-management.

Implications: Telehealth-enabled post-discharge follow-up is a feasible and effective strategy to improve patient satisfaction and strengthen transitional care communication. Sustained implementation may support improved patient experience outcomes and enhance care continuity in medical–surgical settings (Lin et al., 2022).

Keywords

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction in Nursing

Recommended Citation

Helen T. Idowu and Helen Temitope Idowu, "Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through a Telehealth -Enabled Post-discharge Follow-Up Program in an Adult Medical-Surgical Unit" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 180.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/180