Readmissions
What They Are
"Readmission" occurs when patients who have had a recent stay in the hospital go back into a hospital again. Patients may have been readmitted back to the same hospital or to a different hospital or acute care facility. They may have been readmitted for the same condition as their recent hospital stay, or for a different reason. Often referred to as "rehospitalization."
Who's At Risk
Patients in transition — those moving from one care setting to another — are at increased risk for hospital readmission. Unanswered questions can increase patient risk for readmission, such as: Who is in charge of the patient transition?; What is the plan?; Is the plan and follow-up instructions understood?’, and Does the patient know who to call with questions once he/she is home or in their new care setting?
What's At Stake
Patients move from one setting of care to another, or to one set of care providers to another during an episode of illness. As patients and families navigate across new care settings and among different care providers, they often encounter communication challenges and confusion around who is clearly accountable for their care. This can lead to medical errors, duplication, increased costs, and may also lead to higher rates of hospitalization.
What Providers Are Doing To Prevent Readmissions
Below are several links with further details surrounding work being done on readmissions.
HCAHPS Patient Safety Learning Network Community-based Care Transition Grant Awarded to Maryland Partners Health Enterprise Zones Find a Cross-Continuum Partner
Maryland Access Point (MAP)
Search for long-term support information and services throughout Maryland.
Maryland Consumer Guide to Long Term Care
This guide contains information about planning for long term care needs; community support services; resources for family caregivers, transportation, and technology assistance for seniors and people with disabilities