Title : Reduce readmissions in oncology patients by improving outpatient care
Abstract:
Oncology patients undergo emotional and physical distress during the course of their treatment and it will be helpful to come up with some interventions to help reduce the readmissions to hospital by improving outpatient coordination of care. A process improvement project at the Cleveland Clinic found that by implementing simple steps they were able to see some improvements in the readmission rate. They implemented 48 hours nurse call back after the discharge from the hospital. The nurse call would discuss the review of symptoms, education related to medications and compliance with discharge teaching and reminder of future appointments. Additionally, they ensured patient had follow up appointment already scheduled with outpatient provider within 5 days of discharge. The data of patients discharged home and contacted by nurse within 48 hours were collected over the course of 30 days and tracked. They showed modest reduction of unplanned readmissions in the oncology patients. Readmission dates can vary depending on cancer type and other factors such as how aggressive the treatment and overall prognosis of patient.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Audience will be able to use the information and hopefully incorporate outpatient procedures to follow up with patients post discharge.
- This will help quality improvement in patient care and reduce readmission rates.
- By implementing simple steps of calling the patients within a short time frame from discharge and ensuring that all proper outpatient appointments are lined up, a provider can help increase the chances of better patient outcome and reducing complications resulting in readmission.
