
Transforming Hospital Discharge Processes Drives Better Patient Outcomes
A multifaceted solution that involves three complementary and overarching strategies
A multifaceted solution that involves three complementary and overarching strategies
Hospitals are struggling to discharge patients in a timely manner, according to the American Hospital Association. This is often because there are no available spots for patients being transferred to outpatient facilities. To remedy the increased costs hospitals face as a result of this issue, an AHA exec said Medicare should establish a temporary per diem payment for cases in which a patient is ready for discharge but is unable to be discharged appropriately.
Patients and caregivers want to feel prepared to look after themselves or loved ones when they leave the hospital, but hospitals often fail to fulfill these expectations.
Hospitals need to be careful of an audit flag if a patient stays longer than the stated anticipated number of midnights, especially if there is no evidence of a post-hospital discharge plan.
Bad coordination often plagues patients’ transitions to the care of home health agencies, as well as to nursing homes and other professionals charged with helping them recuperate, studies show.
The required completion of an individualized care plan for patients transitioning into a long-term care facility is a core element added to LTC CoP changes.