Lippincott Solutions: 12 Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions

1. Take a person-centered approach and refer to changes in location as "transitions," rather than discharges.
2. Dictate discharge summaries within 24 hours of discharge.
3. Send the patient off with a 30-day medication supply, wrapped in packaging that clearly explains timing and dosage.
4. Make a follow-up plan before discharge.
5. Monitor patients post-discharge using telehealth.
6. Identify populations (the homeless, for example) at highest risk for readmission and pay special care.
7. Chronicle what's happening with the patient after discharge.
8. Pre-arrange post-discharge appointments for follow-up care.
9. Consider physician medication reconciliation to avoid negative drug interactions.
10. Ensure that patients understand the discharge instructions by making them repeat and/or demonstrate.
11. Focus on conditions (COPD, for example) that are at highest risk for readmission.
12. Listen to the patient.

Source: Lippincott Solutions, June 14, 2016
Source URL: http://lippincottsolutions.com/blog/06142016/12waystoreduceh...

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