Abstract

There are no protocols for case management referrals of patients at risk for social hospital admissions by their outpatient providers. Social admissions lead to adverse outcomes such as delirium, infections, polypharmacy, falls, functional dependence, pose a resource and financial strain on organizations, and are antithetical to patient-centered care. Timely case management intervention may prevent these hospitalizations by establishing a plan for future care needs. Project activities included the analysis of retrospective admission data from a N.H. community hospital, collaboration with interdisciplinary colleagues among and between both inpatient and outpatient settings, and an evaluation of best practices from the literature, resulting in several recommendations, including earlier identification of high-risk patients for whom referrals to case management could improve outcomes. Successful implementation will be evaluated by tracking the potential of a reduction of avoidable days, unreimbursed care, emergency department boarding, use of chemical and physical restraints, falls, infections and improved outcomes.

Project Type

Capstone

College or School

College of Professional Studies Granite Division

Program or Major

Nursing Health Care Leadership

Date

Winter 2023

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