Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Improving Performance Using Evidence-Based Principles; Improving Discharge to Prevent Hospital Readmission of Heart Failure Patients

The hospital used evidence-based tools and interventions to decrease hospital readmissions by taking advantage of industry experts and utilized external collaboratives such as Preventing Readmissions through Effective Partnerships.

The hospital simultaneously participated in Project Better Outcomes for Older Adults through Safe Transitions (BOOST) and Project Re-Engineered Discharge (RED).

Tools included: 8–P assessments, teach back, dedicated RN case managers, home health visits, post-discharge follow-up, and local nursing home partnerships.

In 2010, the monthly 30 day readmission rate for Medicare heart failure patients was as high as 37 percent. After administration of the project, through the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, the 30 day Medicare readmission rate for heart failure patients was 13.7.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)