An investigation of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility-to-hospital readmissions: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility (SNF)-to-hospital readmissions.


OBJECTIVE
The rate of rehospitalizations from SNF within 30 days of original discharge has increased within the last decade.


METHODS
The research team participants conducted a literature review via Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed to collect data about quality improvement implemented in SNFs.


RESULTS
The most common facilitator was the incorporation of specialized staff. The most cited barriers were quality improvement tracking and implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
These strategy examples can be useful to acute care hospitals attempting to lower bounce back from subacute care providers and long-term care facilities seeking quality improvement initiatives to reduce hospital readmissions.
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Michael
M
Mileski
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Joseph Baar
JB
Topinka
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Kimberly
K
Lee
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Matthew
M
Brooks
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Christopher
C
McNeil
School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Jenna
J
Jackson
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006801:Humans; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*
Medicare; finance; hospital; quality improvement; readmissions; skilled nursing; transfers