10 Proven Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions

The key to reducing rehospitalization is communication and collaboration. According to studies, healthcare professionals such as physicians, nursing homes leaders, and health care administrators of assisted living and skilled practical nursing facilities can reduce unnecessary readmissions and save money by working together.

Healthcare professionals are addressing some of the concerns raised by patients about readmission, even though it is difficult to predict.

• Unprepared for days of discharge
• Difficulty in performing daily activities
• Discharge medications are difficult to access or adhere to
• Social support is lacking

10 Proven Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions

1.It is simple but true: Quality first. Patient care properly and:

• hospital readmission rates fall
• Performance on Quality Measures Improves
• Savings are made

2. Start early with care management and discharge plans. This includes family members, primary providers, and staff in the ALF or SNF. Before the patient leaves, schedule follow-up appointments in health care settings.

Call the patient soon after discharge to assess their condition and ask questions.

This commitment to providing quality care in a state such as Illinois extends to the reduction of hospital readmissions in long-term care facilities. The impressive Illinois NCLEX pass rates reflect high standards maintained by healthcare providers within the state.”

3.Examine medications in person. The physician caring for the patient hospitalized should review all the medications and give clear instructions on how the patient is to take them.

4.Teach-back techniques can be used to educate patients. Suggest that the client “teach back” or define what they’ve been instructed.

5.Health information technology can help primary care physicians manage the transition from inpatient to outpatient settings. A universal health record allows the PCP to quickly and easily find out what happened in the hospital.

6.Staff at SNF/ALF should receive enhanced training. This will reduce the number of hospital readmissions and admissions. Staff should receive training to identify early changes in residents’ health and mental/functional status.

Related:- Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Nursing Homes

7.”SNFists .” The presence of physicians, practical nurse practitioners, or physician’s assistants to assess acute changes in clinical status for residents of skilled nursing facilities is essential to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

8.Community paramedicine. This can be an effective way to reduce readmissions in hospitals, especially in rural areas or those that are underserved. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are already in place within communities. Paramedics who receive additional training can extend their scope of practice to include home visits and other health services for patients at risk of readmission.

9.Advance directives. Knowing what patients want for their basic care at the end of life can give treatment direction, options and choice when a patient’s healthcare status changes. Many patients prefer to stay at home rather than go to the hospital. Document and store advance directives so that the medical staff and healthcare teams are aware of the patient’s wishes.

10.Palliative and hospice care are alternatives to hospitalization for patients who qualify. Patients are cared for in their own homes, whether it is a private home, assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. A hospice team consisting of a physician, a variety of health care team or primary care provider and aide, as well as a social worker, chaplain, and volunteer, manages the pain and symptoms of the patient and provides social, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient and their family.

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