title: Re-engineered discharge cuts readmissions.
abstract: By re-engineering its discharge process, North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, FL, reduced the number of readmissions within 30 days from 29% to 15%. A multidisciplinary team determined that many patients were readmitted because they didn't understand their disease or why they should follow their treatment plan. All clinicians were taught the teach-back method and now encourage patients to ask questions about their condition and treatment plan. The night shift nurses go over the discharge plan the night before patients are discharged and make sure the patients have everything they need, such as food and support, at home. Case managers and pharmacists call patients after discharge to ensure they have a follow-up appointment and answer questions about their treatment plan.
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management; D005431:Florida; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000639:trends*