Discharge Planning Advisor Archives – December 1, 2011
December 1, 2011
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New research highlights problem of substance use and rehospitalizations
Researchers have found that patients who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder are about twice as likely to be readmitted to the hospital as patients without this diagnosis. These findings suggest that hospitals could intervene with substance use screening and programs designed to reduce subsequent hospital utilization. -
Experts offer tips for tackling substance use
Hospital systems and care transition teams should take a close look at their practices regarding patients for substance use problems with a goal of improving screening and discharge planning to prevent readmission of these patients, experts say. -
DP team needs overdose training, referral options
Hospital discharge planning teams might increase their skills and referral options when dealing with substance use issues by giving staff overdose and counseling training. They also can improve patient care at discharge by adding more options to their referral choices for these patients, experts say. -
Emory trains students on discharge tasks
Health care systems nationwide increasingly are focusing on the care continuum and discharge process as a focal point for improving care, quality, and utilization efficiency. So why shouldnt medical schools make it a priority to offer coursework related to the discharge process? -
Cost-related medication underuse is big problem
There is a large body of evidence that some people will avoid taking medication to save money, and this can lead to acute episodes that land patients in the hospital. The key is to identify this and other silent obstacles at discharge and provide patients with solutions that will improve their care transition. -
Study focuses on asthma discharge outcomes
One of the key discharge priorities in care for children involves asthma. Poor patient compliance with medication and self-care can lead to acute episodes and extra emergency room visits and hospitalizations. -
CMS approves 500 FQHCs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in late October 2011 that 500 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) were selected for the FQHC advanced primary care practice (APCP) demonstration project.