In what seems like an obvious conclusion to a study, researchers from the Mayo Clinic have found that the key to reducing hospital readmissions may be as simple as being more proactive. The research, published in the May edition of JAMA, suggests that any effort meant to address a patient’s individual needs when developing a discharge plan was effective in helping that individual stick to their care regimen.
To reach their findings, the Mayo team reviewed 47 studies that focused on methods to reduce 30-day readmission rates. Programs that helped patients deal head-on with the work of being a patient were found to reduce readmission rates and save money for the individuals or organizations paying for care.
“When we pull together all of the studies, the overall effect is that in general, when you try to do something to reduce readmission rates, it will work,” Dr. Aaron Leppin, the study’s lead researcher, said to HealthIT Analytics. “It will reduce the rates by an average of about 20 percent. There are certainly factors that seem to be most effective. One of the big ones is an assessment of patient capacity.”
In a Mayo press release, Dr. Leppin also noted that one issue that many newly discharged patients face is juggling a large number of self-care tasks. Without assistance or intervention, these individuals are almost forced to go back to the hospital.
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