Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Study

Improving the discharge process by embedding a discharge facilitator in a resident team.

Finn KM, Heffner R, Chang Y, et al. Improving the discharge process by embedding a discharge facilitator in a resident team. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(9):494-500. doi:10.1002/jhm.924.

Save
Print
November 16, 2011
Finn KM, Heffner R, Chang Y, et al. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(9):494-500.
View more articles from the same authors.

The disturbingly high incidence of readmissions after hospital discharge remains a national policy priority, as many readmissions can be linked to adverse events after discharge. In this study, a nurse practitioner (NP) was assigned to a resident inpatient medical team at a tertiary care hospital, with the specific responsibility of facilitating the discharge process. The NP's responsibilities included arranging follow-up appointments, performing medication reconciliation, and following up on tests pending at discharge. Although NP discharge facilitation achieved improved patient satisfaction with the discharge process, higher rates of timely outpatient follow-up, and improved resident work efficiency, it did not result in fewer readmissions or emergency department visits in the post-discharge period. The complex nature of preventing readmissions is discussed in an AHRQ WebM&M interview with Dr. Eric Coleman.

Save
Print
Cite
Citation

Finn KM, Heffner R, Chang Y, et al. Improving the discharge process by embedding a discharge facilitator in a resident team. J Hosp Med. 2011;6(9):494-500. doi:10.1002/jhm.924.

Related Resources From the Same Author(s)
Related Resources