Reduce CHF Readmissions by 20

...and therefore decrease the hospital's financial risk as part of health care reform, increase compliance with CHF core measures and provide a structure to reapply similar strategies across all diagnoses

Data suggests that the hospital has a three year (2006-2009) CHF readmission average of 24.2 percent.

Using Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, the hospital implemented key intervention strategies and tools to reduce readmissions including: (1) developing a discharge bundle (checklist, new outpatient testing order form, patient home medication reconciliation sheet, prescriptions, etc.); (2) creating a patient education and discharge folder; (3) executing follow-up phone calls; (4) revising case management documentation; (5) revising CHF patient education materials; (6) utilizing a root-cause assessment
tool for seven day readmission cases; (7) creating MD CHF admission order set; and (8) partnering with the Agency on Aging for post-hospitalization community services.

During the first three quarters of the control phase, the hospital averaged 13.11 percent CHF readmissions. This can be compared to 16.71 percent for the top decile of crimson cohort hospitals for the same time period.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)