Beebe multidisciplinary teams partner to reduce readmissions
Two of Beebe Healthcare’s many multidisciplinary teams have worked diligently over the past year to reduce hospital readmissions for those who suffer from COPD and heart failure.
Readmissions dropped by almost 4% in each category to 12.37% for COPD and 12.64% for heart failure. This is a significant yearly drop and well beyond the anticipated goal. The teams included members from population health, case management, health information systems, quality, home care and physical therapy. The groups are led by cardiologist Alberta Rosa, MD, and pulmonologist Victor Banzon, MD.
Patients with COPD or heart failure are at higher risk for hospitalization or an emergency department visit. These quality measures are tracked by federal partners and are considered to improve the health of a community when reduced.
The teams recently won Beebe Quality and Safety Awards for their successful work in these areas. By reviewing each patient discharged within a 30-day period, the teams are able to reach out to the patient’s primary care provider, skilled nursing facility and other associated care providers to ensure a patient is getting the needed follow-ups for those who struggle with these conditions. In addition to the patient’s medical condition, social drivers of health are discussed and addressed when possible.
