Posted: 02/16/09
Education holds the key to lowering costs for individuals and health care insurance plans, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study found that patients who were discharged with clear instructions pertaining to their medicines and follow-up appointments were 30% less likely to be readmitted or seek care in an ER than those who didn't. The lower rate equates to significant savings ($412) on out-of-pockets costs and for health care insurance plan providers. Readmissions often stem from:
- Complications or adverse drug interactions
- Lack of understanding of follow-up care (medications and management of condition)
One inhibiting factor is the fact that hospitals often don't make a patient's discharge summary promptly available to primary care doctors.
The research team developed a patient education program that utilizes specially trained nurses to help arrange follow-up appointments, confirm medication routines and ensure the patient understands the diagnoses through a personalized instruction booklet. Additionally, the program includes a post-discharge contact by a pharmacist to answer any questions. The program has shown great promise, with 30 percent fewer subsequent emergency visits and readmissions than those without the education program.
However, even with increased health benefit to the patient and lowered cost benefit to health care insurance plan providers, many hospital many be hesitant to implement such a program due to its lack of financial incentives.
Related Links
AHRQ: Educating Patients Before They Leave the Hospital Reduces Readmissions, Emergency Department Visits and Saves Money
