Reducing Readmissions: It Takes a Village

Too often, patients leave the hospital confused about how to care for themselves at home, ultimately causing them to return to the hospital. Hospitals and health care organizations are addressing the problem of avoidable readmissions by taking steps to help patients get the care they need, including simplifying discharge instructions, working one-on-one with patients at high risk for being readmitted, and improving coordination between hospitals and outpatient care facilities.

This work is at the heart of Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s signature effort to lift the overall quality of health care in 16 targeted communities. A new, interactive suite of materials showcases lessons from AF4Q and hospitals participating in its Hospital Quality Network, demonstrating how those who give care and receive care can work together.

Click here for more information regarding lessons for health care providers on improving care transitions.

Click here to learn about INQRI researchers who have found that nurses can have a positive impact on reducing readmissions.

The Need for Cost Information

Last week, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) program posted a new video that examines three different perspectives on the need for cost data. The video analyzes the need and potential impact of cost data on patients, providers, and employers' decision making.

Click here to access the video.