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Post-discharge calls improve patient care

Case Management Weekly, November 16, 2005

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Data collected by Cogent Healthcare, a hospital services provider, has revealed that one in six patients discharged from the hospital experiences problems that slow recovery or require readmission. The findings are based on follow-up calls made to patients within 24-48 hours of discharge.

Of the 17% of patients that reported a problem

• 51% needed assistance to make a follow-up appointment with their physician or specialist
• 28% had difficulty understanding their prescription or obtaining proper medication
• 14% had medical symptoms that required attention
• 7% had problems concerning home care or obtaining medical equipment

Cogent began the follow-up calls in an effort to decrease readmission rates, and provide support and guidance to help patients stay compliant with their treatment program. The program has helped Cogent decrease 30-day readmission rates by 40%.

Source: Genetic Engineering News

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