Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  Natasha McClure, DNP, PNP-BC
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Bonnie Pilon, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

DNP Project Abstract

Identifying Barriers to Text Support from the Vanderbilt Discharge Care Center (DCC) After Hospital Discharge

Purpose
The annual cost of hospital readmissions in the US is estimated as high as $52.4 billion. Up to 48% of these may be preventable. Following up with patients via text after discharge from the hospital may be an effective method of preventing readmissions. As many as 31% of patients opt out of a DCC program to reduce readmissions by providing text support for patients after discharge. The aim of this project was to discover why patients opted out of text support after discharge from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in October and November 2021.

Methods
Twenty-five patients who had opted out of DCC texts were surveyed via phone.

Results
Fourty-four patients were called and 25 participated. 52% (n=13) opted out because they felt the service was no longer needed. 28% (n=7) opted out because of problems with technology. 16% (n=4) opted out because they did not want to receive texts. 4% (n=1) opted out due to dissatisfaction with the service. Most patients, 72% (n=20) preferred texts over phone calls.

Implications for Practice
Though limited by small sample size, the data collected suggests that patients do like receiving texts after discharge and most opt out because they no longer require the service.