The Human Face of Hospital Readmissions

Health Affairs blogger Risa Lavizzo-Mourey explores the human face of hospital readmissions, sharing the perspectives of two individuals representative of the one in five elderly patients returning to the hospital within 30 days of leaving.

Readmissions is a growing concern, and several initiatives seek to address this costly health care issue.  Aligning Forces for Quality, one of the initiatives attempting to determine factors associated with readmissions, encourages health care providers to tailor their approach to discover methods that work best for their patients’ individual circumstances. 

Another report was commissioned by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine the issue of readmissions through the eyes of those grappling with the problem.  The report is part of the Care About Your Care initiative, devoted to improving the transition from hospital to home.