Implementing a standardized discharge template, including providing patients with contact numbers to call with questions or concerns, can help significantly reduce readmission rates, according to new research presented at AES 2018.
Specialists at Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, developed the discharge template as a potential way to help reduce unplanned readmission rates at the center’s pediatric inpatient epilepsy service.
The standardized template has three main components:
- Details of the patient diagnosis
- A contact telephone number for the patient or family to call if they have questions or concerns
- Details of the patient’s individualized seizure action plan.
Appropriate staff at the tertiary center, including residents and nurse practitioners, were trained in using the template, which was introduced in May 2016.