A Coordinated Discharge Planning Approach to Reduce Avoidable Hospital Readmissions

Summary: Sharing the latest literature on the causes and prevention of hospital readmissions is Susan Shepard, the director of patient safety education for The Doctors Management Company. Ms. Shepard described the type of patient most at risk for readmission, some of the risks inherent in transitioning patients from one care site to another, and the contribution of the patient's primary physician to a successful discharge. Shepard identified key aspects of the hospital admission, stay and discharge that can reduce the likelihood of readmission during "A Coordinated Discharge Planning Approach to Reduce Avoidable Hospital Readmissions," a 45-minute webinar on April 28, 2010.