Reducing Hospital Readmissions
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Alison Williams
Vice President of Clinical Quality Improvement
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- 573-893-3700| ext. 1326
Improving Patient Outcomes Through Coordinated Care
Hospital readmissions are a key measure of patient care quality, and reducing preventable readmissions is a priority for hospitals across Missouri. Readmissions within 30 days of discharge often indicate gaps in care coordination, discharge planning or patient support.
Explore Additional Quality & Safety Resources
Looking for more tools and insights on reducing hospital readmissions? MHA offers a variety of resources to help hospitals implement best practices, improve care transitions and enhance patient outcomes.
The Role of Multidisciplinary Care Teams
As patients transition from acute care settings to home or other facilities, they face increased health risks. Ensuring a seamless, well-coordinated discharge process can prevent complications, improve recovery and enhance overall patient safety. Readmissions occur for various reasons such as common health conditions such as congestive heart failure, septicemia and pneumonia. Many readmissions, however, are preventable with attention to communication and follow-up care.
How to Prevent Hospital Readmissions
Preventing readmissions requires a collaborative approach between patients, families and health care providers. Multidisciplinary care teams play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the post-discharge support they need. This includes:
- Comprehensive discharge planning to prepare patients for their transition
- Clear communication between hospital staff, post-acute care providers and caregivers
- Patient and family education on managing conditions and recognizing warning signs
- Follow-up care coordination, including scheduling post-discharge appointments and medication reconciliation
By strengthening two-way communication between patients and providers, hospitals can reduce avoidable readmissions and improve long-term health outcomes.