Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Summer 8-11-2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rashmi P. Momin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a structured wound care discharge protocol to improve patient preparedness and confidence in wound self-management after hospital discharge.
Background: Patients discharged with active wounds may experience complications, delayed healing, and unplanned health care use when discharge education and follow-up support are inconsistent. Standardized education may strengthen readiness for self-care and improve transitions from hospital to home.
Methodology: A three-month project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework in an inpatient medical-surgical setting. Thirty adults discharged with active wounds received standardized wound care education, written instructions, teach-back verification, and a follow-up telephone call within two to three business days. Preparedness was measured before and immediately after education using a five-point Likert-type scale. Teaching completion, follow-up needs, and 30-day readmission status were summarized with descriptive statistics and monitored over time.
Results: Education was completed for all 30 participants. Mean preparedness increased from 2.33 before education to 4.23 afterward, an improvement of 1.96 points. Eight participants (27%) required additional reinforcement. Two participants (6.7%) were readmitted within 30 days; one readmission was wound-related and the other unrelated.
Implications for Practice: A structured wound care discharge protocol improved patient preparedness and supported continuity of care. Teach-back and early follow-up identified knowledge gaps that might not have been recognized at discharge.
Keywords: discharge education, patient preparedness, quality improvement, teach-back, wound care.
Keywords
discharge education patient preparedness quality improvement teach-back wound care
Recommended Citation
Kiran N. Gupta, "Improving Patient Preparedness Through Implementation of a Structured Wound Care Discharge Protocol" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 202.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/202