PRESS RELEASE:
July 20, 2011
CONTACT: Kevin Bloye
770-249-4504
kbloye@gha.org
HABERSHAM MEDICAL CENTER
WINS STATEWIDE
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
FOR TRANSITION OF CARE PROJECT
ATLANTA – At its annual summer meeting last week, the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) presented its prestigious statewide Community Leadership Award to Habersham Medical Center in Demorest for its project that improved patient transition of care with the reduction of readmission rates. GHA established the annual award to recognize a GHA-member hospital that has made exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of the people of Georgia through leadership in the area of community health improvement.
In response to increased scrutiny of patient readmission rates, Habersham launched its Transition of Care project with the goal of reducing readmission rates. Nationally, about 20 percent of hospitalized Medicare patients are back in the hospital within 30 days, according to a 2009 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The cost nationally is a staggering $17 billion a year, and many government-driven pay-for-performance initiatives are lowering hospital reimbursements for “preventable” readmissions.
Other studies have shown transition of patient care from one agency to another can jeopardize patient safety and quality of care due to incomplete and/or inaccurate transfer of information, medication discrepancies and a lack of appropriate post-acute care. These deficiencies can lead to adverse medication events; exacerbation of chronic illness; and the inability of patients and families to recognize and react to signs of acute illness. These factors, in turn, contribute to high re-hospitalization.
Along with reducing readmission rates, Habersham’s project goals included enhancing communication by 25 percent between the hospital and other agencies, including home health, nursing homes and the assisted living center. Another goal was to decrease 30-day readmissions by 25 percent.A multidisciplinary team was formed; they interviewed key personnel at the different agencies in order to detect communication barriers. After identifying specific needs for each agency, the patient transfer form was revised and renamed the “transition of care” form. It clearly outlined the process to be followed when a patient was to be transferred. Patients were given appointment cards, which notified them of any necessary post-admission treatment needed.
The project was a success for multiple reasons. Redesigning the entire transfer program resulted in an organized approach for area health care agencies to provide a seamless continuum of care. Results showed a 35 percent increase in communication and a 42 percent decrease in 30-day readmissions. The most important result was that the program provides quality and safe patient care helping patients recover from their illnesses and live longer, healthier lives.
“Reducing hospital readmission rates has become a focal point for hospitals nationwide,” said GHA president Joseph Parker. “We applaud Habersham for its leadership and success in addressing this critical challenge and its commitment to improving patient safety at every level. Without question, Habersham and its team of dedicated staff members are ideal recipients of this prestigious award.”
About GHA
Established in 1929, GHA is the state’s largest trade organization of hospitals and health systems providing education, research and risk management services to its more than 170 hospital and health system members. Additionally, it represents and advocates health policy issues benefiting Georgia’s citizens before the state legislature and U.S. Congress as well as before regulatory bodies. |