Insights from real hospital readmission programs effectively saving money. June 23, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Many patients temporarily residing in a hospital enjoy returning to their homes. However, circumstances often arise in which patients must return to the hospital. Hospital readmissions are difficult and unfortunate situations for all involved, but they can often be prevented.
Disadvantages affect both the patient and the hospital when a patient must be readmitted. Large numbers of hospital readmissions also make medical care for other patients less efficient. Hospital readmissions are a major cause of financial expense. Patients also suffer after a hospital readmission. Medical procedures are always stressful, but they are especially frustrating when they have already been completed once before.
Patients who ignore or incorrectly execute the activities that their doctors prescribe for them are a major cause of hospital readmissions. Many conditions require medication or exercise, and if these activities are ignored, a relapse is likely. Other medical conditions will recur if a patient lapses into an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle.
However, it is incorrect to always blame hospital readmission on the patient. If a medical procedure is performed incorrectly or a condition is misdiagnosed, hospital readmission is very likely. Other times, doctors may incorrectly instruct their patients or prescribe the wrong medicines or dosages. Even if the patient follows his directions diligently, he will need to return to the hospital if his directions are wrong. Also, hospitals often fail to help a patient transition from hospital life to home life. This transition can be difficult, especially if the cause of hospitalization disabled or injured the patient. Care transition programs help patients return to home without difficulty.