Community health workers can help reduce hospital readmissions

Bringing in community health workers to help chronically ill patients access care after a hospitalization can dramatically reduce readmission rates, according to new data from Towson-based University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and Maxim Healthcare Services, a provider of home health, staffing and population health services.

Advertisement

UMSJMC’s program partners community health workers with patients at high risk for readmission due to medical, psychological, functional and socioeconomic complexity. The community health workers focus on several issues with the patients, including transportation, housing and employment.

The program reduced readmissions among participants by more than 60 percent in its first 16 months.

“Readmissions aren’t the problem — they are the symptom. The real problem occurs when patients with complex medical issues and unmanaged psychological or social challenges don’t receive the support they need to maintain their health,” aid Mohan Suntha, MD, former UMSJMC president and CEO and current president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center in Boston.

More articles on readmissions:
Arkansas medical center to use telehealth to monitor patients
Addressing 30-day readmissions of PCI patients may not improve mortality rates
To lower readmissions, invest in these 6 occupational therapy interventions

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.