Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1075308
26 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT How Atrium Health sustains a 4% reduction in readmissions annually By Mackenzie Bean C harlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health saw significant improvements in readmission rates after implementing a new population health model, among other strategic initiatives, the health system told Becker's via email. As part of its efforts to reduce readmissions, Atrium Health launched a population health model called Transition Ser- vices in 2015. The model offers recently discharged patients access to an entire care team either at Atrium Health's tran- sition clinic or in their own homes. The care team includes physicians, pharmacists, care manager nurses and social workers who are available to patients in the month after a discharge. Atrium Health also relies on physician-led work groups, com- mittees and its data analytics department to collaboratively identify the causes of unplanned readmissions and imple- ment targeted interventions. After implementing these strategic initiatives, the health sys- tem saw a 4 to 6 percent reduction in readmissions annually. Patients participating in Transition Services also demonstrat- ed a 35 percent reduction in readmission rates compared to those receiving typical post-discharge care. n Early intervention with infectious disease specialist linked to lower death rate By Anuja Vaidya P atients who received early intervention with an infectious disease physician experienced lower mortality rates and shorter lengths of stay, accord- ing to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of administrative claims data of privately insured patients under age 65. They studied data on patients who had an acute care stay in 2014 for selected infections. Patients either received early (by day three) or late (after day three) infectious disease physician intervention. The study shows patients who received care with infectious disease physician involvement by the third day of their hospitalization had a shorter length of stay, lower spending and lower mortality rate in the initial stay as compared to patients who did not. Additionally, patients who received early infectious disease physician intervention had fewer readmissions and lower healthcare payments after discharge. n Leapfrog Group announces 2018 Top Hospitals By Alyssa Rege F lorida, California, New Jersey and Texas each saw 12 or more hospitals named recipients of e Leapfrog Group's 2018 Top Hospitals award. Of the 118 Top Hospitals recognized by the organization, 13 were named among e Leapfrog Group's top children's hospitals, 53 were named among the top teaching hospitals and 17 were named among the top rural hospitals. To compile the list, e Leapfrog Group used data gathered through its annual hospital survey, which compares hospitals' perfor- mance on national patient safety, quality, efficiency and management standards. "Leapfrog is proud to recognize the re- cipients of our most elite award for safety and quality. We're encouraged by the hard work of Top Hospitals, as well as all of the hospitals that compete for this award. eir transparency and determination delivers the best possible care in their communities," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of e Leapfrog Group. Here is a state-by-state breakdown of where Leapfrog Group's Top Hospitals are located, listed in alphabetical order: Arizona — 1 California — 17 Colorado — 1 Washington, D.C. — 1 Florida — 18 Georgia — 2 Illinois — 7 Louisiana, 1 Maine — 7 Massachusetts — 4 Michigan — 6 Missouri — 2 Nevada — 3 New Jersey — 12 New York — 1 North Carolina — 2 Ohio — 1 Oregon — 1 Pennsylvania — 8 Rhode Island — 1 Tennessee — 1 Texas — 13 Virginia — 6 Washington — 2 n