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Date Available

4-22-2026

Year of Publication

2026

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

College

Nursing

Department/School/Program

Nursing

Faculty

Dr. Candice Falls

Committee Member

Dr. Sheila Melander

Faculty

Dr. Joy Coles

Abstract

Background: Heart failure affects over 6 million Americans and causes more than one million hospitalizations annually. CardioMEMS, a remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring device, effectively reduces hospitalizations, yet its use remains limited due to provider and system barriers. The purpose was to increase CardioMEMS referrals for eligible heart failure patients through targeted provider education and a standardized screening tool.

Local Problem: Kentucky experiences higher heart failure hospitalization rates than the national average, contributing to prolonged hospital stays and rising healthcare costs.

Methods: A pre—post quasi-experimental study was conducted at an academic medical center. Baseline chart review of 47 patients evaluated CardioMEMS eligibility and referrals. Post-intervention, 37 patient charts and anonymous provider surveys were analyzed using SPSS.

Interventions: The intervention included provider education and a visual screening tool.

Results: Referral rates among eligible patients increased from 15.0% to 17.6% (p=.828). Provider education and visual screening tool improved understanding of eligibility criteria, increased confidence in patient identification, and shifted barriers from knowledge gaps to workflow and cost concerns.

Conclusion: Provider education and use of a structured CardioMEMS visual screening tool improved identification and referral of eligible heart failure patients. Increased provider awareness of eligibility criteria for CardioMEMS may support more consistent referral practices and improved patient outcomes.

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