Multi-faceted program cuts HF readmissions.
Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, NY, reduced its heart failure readmission rates from 21.1% to 15.3% in just a few months with a readmission reduction initiative. A multidisciplinary team researched best practices in reducing readmissions and came up with an initiative that includes improving the educational process and facilitating smooth care transitions. Team members standardized educational materials, by working with other hospitals and home care agencies, and they educated the hospital staff and home care agencies on the teach-back method. Team members worked with skilled nursing facilities on ways to avoid sending heart failure patients back to the hospital. They worked with physician offices to ensure that patients obtain a timely followup appointment after discharge.
D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D006333:Heart Failure; D006801:Humans; D009518:New York; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010359:Patient Readmission