Dismiss Modal

Editor's Note: This blog was published prior to the transition to WebMD Ignite.

Is your hospital trying to improve its 30-day readmissions rate? Deconstructing your discharge plan may be the answer. Consider Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge), piloted by Boston University Medical Center1 and funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The program has already helped nearly 300 U.S. hospitals improve their discharge processes, resulting in significant readmission reductions at many sites.2

What Does a Successful Hospital Readmission Reduction Program Look Like?

The re-engineered discharge process involves improved coordination of care efforts, led by a nurse discharge advocate or educator. The discharge educator walks the patient through an after-hospital care program (AHCP) that outlines every component of care, from follow up tests and services to what to do if problems come up. All medications are reconciled and follow up appointments are made. The educator provides patient instructions using language the patient can understand, and then assesses the patient for comprehension. Once at home, the patient also receives a follow up call within 72 hours of discharge to ensure their care is on track.

Advantages of a Successful Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program

Research data from AHRQ shows that Project RED decreases 30-day hospital readmissions by 25%, decreases emergency department use from 24% to 16%, and improves patient outcomes while lowering hospital costs.
3

Sources

1. https://www.bu.edu/fammed/projectred/index.html

2. http://www.jcrinc.com/about-jcr/project-red/

3. http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/red/toolkit/redtool1.html#Impact