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Better informed patients less likely to be readmitted

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, June 22, 2011

Patients who are better informed about their illnesses are less likely to be readmitted, according to a recent Harvard University study.  Many patients don’t understand the care that they need or are receiving. Previous research showed that one in five Medicare patients returns to the hospital within 30 days of a previous admission. To control readmissions, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, an affiliate of Harvard University in Boston, began educating patients; using admission templates, which include care guidelines for common geriatric conditions, medication reconciliation, and care goals; using advanced directives; and conducting root cause analysis. As a result, readmission rates dropped from 16.5% to 13.3%.

 

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