Review the story at the link below before posting to the discussion: Rau, J. (2015). . Kaiser Health News. Retrieved from After you have finished, consider how you would respond to the following situation: Your local hospital has received notice from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) regarding their readmission rates. Textbook: Finkelman, A., 2016 (3rd Edition), Pearson Learning Solutions, Boston, MA & Two outside scholarly sources to be referenced within the last 10 years.
As an experienced student in healthcare administration, I understand the importance of addressing high readmission rates in hospitals. In response to the situation regarding the local hospital and its notice from CMS about readmission rates, I would approach the issue by considering various strategies that have been proven effective in reducing readmissions. Additionally, I would rely on the textbook by Finkelman (2016) and two outside scholarly sources published within the last 10 years to inform my recommendations.
To begin, it is essential to understand the significance of readmission rates and the impact they can have on hospitals. High readmission rates indicate potential issues in the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction, or care transitions. CMS focuses on readmission rates as a measure of hospital efficiency and quality of care, and hospitals with high rates may face financial penalties and decreased reputation.
One possible strategy to address high readmission rates is to improve care coordination and patient transitions. This involves ensuring smooth transitions between healthcare settings, such as from hospital to home or to a post-acute care facility. Coordination can be achieved through effective communication among healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team. By implementing evidence-based care transition models, such as the Transitional Care Model or the Care Transitions Intervention, hospitals can improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions (Finkelman, 2016).
Another strategy to consider is the implementation of comprehensive discharge planning. Hospital staff should prioritize discharge planning as an essential part of the patient’s care journey. Discharge planning includes a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs and the development of a personalized care plan with clear instructions for post-discharge care. This may involve ensuring patients have access to necessary medications, arranging follow-up appointments, and providing education on self-care. Moreover, hospitals can form partnerships with community resources, such as home healthcare agencies, to support patients after discharge and facilitate a smooth transition to home or another care setting. By investing in effective discharge planning, hospitals can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the likelihood of readmission.
Addressing social determinants of health is another critical approach to reducing readmission rates. Social determinants of health, such as housing instability or lack of access to reliable transportation, can significantly impact a patient’s ability to adhere to post-discharge care plans. By identifying and addressing these social determinants, hospitals can improve patient outcomes and decrease readmissions. For instance, hospitals can partner with community organizations to provide resources like temporary housing or transportation services. Additionally, care teams can collaborate with social workers or community health workers to support patients in accessing necessary resources and addressing social challenges that may hinder their recovery.
Furthermore, implementing effective medication management protocols can play a significant role in reducing readmissions. Medication errors or non-adherence to prescribed medications can lead to adverse events and rehospitalizations. Hospitals should prioritize medication reconciliation, a process of ensuring accurate and up-to-date medication lists for patients at transitions of care. Moreover, healthcare providers can educate patients on proper medication use, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence. By involving pharmacists in the care team and ensuring clear communication and follow-up with community pharmacies, hospitals can promote medication safety and reduce readmissions.
In conclusion, addressing high readmission rates requires a multifaceted approach that considers various strategies such as care coordination, comprehensive discharge planning, addressing social determinants of health, and effective medication management. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and reduce readmissions. To support these recommendations, I would further explore the concepts in the textbook by Finkelman (2016) and include two scholarly sources published in the last 10 years to validate the effectiveness of these strategies.