A Reengineered Hospital Discharge Program to Decrease Rehospitalization

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009, 150 (3) p. 178-187

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: February 2009

Publication type: Journal article 

In a nutshell: Emergency department visits and rehospitalization are common after hospital discharge. This study tested the effects of an intervention designed to minimize hospital utilization after discharge. A nurse discharge advocate worked with patients during their hospital stay to arrange follow-up appointments, confirm medication reconciliation, and conduct patient education with an individualized instruction booklet that was sent to their primary care provider.  A clinical pharmacist called patients 2 to 4 days after discharge to reinforce the discharge plan and review medications.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes:  To access the full text of this article please contact your local NHS library.  Research funded by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgement: National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Emergency Care Communities of Practice Blog

Case management of patients who frequently present to a Scottish emergency department

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The aim of this study was to assess whether case management of frequent attenders to the emergency department (ED) reduces subsequent attendances made by these patients. Patients who attended the ED 10 times or more over a 6-month period were identified. Their cases were assessed and care plans put in place, if appropriate. Patient attendances over the subsequent 6 months were compared. The findings of this study suggest that individual case management and implementation of care plans may help to reduce subsequent attendances in patients who frequently attend ED.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: An NHS Athens password is required to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library for further details.