Two studies recently concluded that older patients who participate in transitional care programs after initial discharge from hospital are significantly less likely to be readmitted. One study indicated that patients who participate in a transitional care program were in fact 48% less likely to require hospital readmission than counterparts who chose against participation in such programs. These studies underscore the importance of a holistic approach to medical intervention, and the necessity to bridge gaps between care settings in order to achieve robust, cost-effective,...
Together with St. Joseph Health System-Humboldt County and Humboldt State University's nursing department, the Community Health Alliance developed the Care Transitions Program to reduce hospital readmissions. Discharged patients who are not receiving home health or hospice care are assigned a coach who is a student nurse. Coaches meet patients in the hospital, visit them at home and then check in regularly in person or by phone at intervals up to six months after discharge. The coaches work with patients to review their medicines and check that they correspond with what the doctor...
The 117 hospitals participating in the AF4Q Hospital Quality Network are committed to improving the quality of care they deliver. The breadth of the network gives it strength and diversity. Those participating in the AF4Q Hospital Quality Network range from small, 25-bed critical access hospitals in Maine, Wisconsin and Humboldt County to large, 500+ bed urban teaching hospitals in Kansas City, Boston, Albuquerque and Oregon.