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Study: Improving empathetic care could reduce patient readmissions

Nurse Leader Insider, September 15, 2016

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A study released by Journal of Surgical Research this month found a link between the readmission trends kidney transplant patients at Wexner Medical Center and patient anxiety. Researchers found that patients that experienced high levels of anxiety in the week after the procedure where 110 percent more likely to be readmitted within a month after release.

Upon further investigation, the study found that the post-discharge process was a source of anxiety. The patients interviewed for the study reported feeling rushed through their post-discharge meeting as their providers hurried to give them information. The researchers observed many inconsistencies with the providers’ instructions, and noted that while the nurses were following protocol, they were following different guidelines that they had been told throughout their career.

The study suggests two ways to reduce readmissions caused by post-discharge anxiety: first, standardize in-hospital care so that the patients receive consistent information about post-procedure care. The second key factor is training staff to be more empathetic while delivering the information. Making the patient comfortable and confident when they go home will keep them from coming back to the hospital, the study concludes.

To read the study abstract, click here.
 

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