The Importance of Post-Discharge Follow-Up in Patient Outcomes

With consumers’ growing interest in their care, physicians are increasingly seeing the benefits that greater involvement can have with regard to patient satisfaction and outcomes.

For example, one research study found that inpatients who rate their care with a lower degree of satisfaction are more likely to readmit within 30 days with post-discharge complications.¹

Therefore, greater patient involvement and satisfaction are key contributors to patient outcomes.

Research shows the benefits of post-discharge follow-up

While many strategies of increasing patient-centeredness are being applied during the patient’s time in the hospital, it is important to continue this level of care after discharge. Research on the subject reveals that:

• Patients that were hospitalized with acute conditions are less likely to readmit if they are contacted as part of an early follow-up program post-discharge.²
• 20% of readmissions are likely to be prevented in patients with three or more chronic conditions if they are contacted by a provider of care within 14 days of discharge.³

• There is no significant difference in satisfaction between nurse-led telephone follow-ups and outpatient visit follow-ups, suggesting that telephonic programs are effective patient engagement tools.^4,5

Implementing post-discharge follow-up services not only improves patient satisfaction, but can also reduce total cost of care over time as rehospitalizations or other major setbacks are prevented.

AfterCare

The Kindred AfterCare program is designed to help recovering patients heal and to provide the support they need once they have discharged from our hospitals. Trained staff will review patients’ charts and reach out to patients 2, 7, 14, and 31 days post-discharge. They discuss durable medical equipment, medication needs and education, primary care provider appointments, continued progress and any additional post-discharge services needed. Patients are also able to reach registered nurses 24/7 within the first 30 days after discharging from our hospital. This program improves patient outcomes and satisfaction as well as reduces the rate of readmission.