Preventing Unplanned Readmission
Patients and providers want to help avoid having to return to the hospital after cardiac care. As many as 1 out of every 6 congestive heart failure patients return to the hospital within 30 days. Some studies suggest that second trips to the hospital, also called readmissions, could be reduced by 50%.
Both health care providers and patients share the challenge of reducing readmissions and improving care. Some steps to help reduce readmissions include:
Patients
- Ask questions
- Make sure you understand your doctor's instructions
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Contact your doctor if your condition worsens
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise
Health Care Providers
- Understand and identify which patients are at greatest risk
- Provide clear discharge instructions that are culturally relevant
- Ensure smooth transitional care
- Schedule follow-up care
- Participate in readmission prevention programs
Additional Sources:
- 10 Proven Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions by Jaimie Oh, Becker's Hospital Review, September 21, 2011
- Jack BW, et al. (2009), A reengineered hospital discharge program to decrease rehospitalization: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med., 150(3):178-87.
- Weiss, M. E., Yakusheva, O. and Bobay, K. L. (2011), Quality and Cost Analysis of Nurse Staffing, Discharge Preparation, and Postdischarge Utilization. Health Services Research, 46: 1473-1494.
