Download or read book Patient Readmission Prevention Using Telephone Intervention: Implications for Nurse Practitioners written by Katherine L. Hand and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Readmission after hospitalization occurs frequently and is a concern for healthcare systems. Adults with chronic illness frequently have the highest readmission rates, often related to adverse events, medication errors, or worsening symptoms. A systematic review of literature related to readmission was conducted. An evidenced-based practice project was implemented to reduce readmission rates within 30 days after hospitalization. The intervention was a telephone call within 24-72 hours after discharge by a nurse practitioner using a prepared script. The purpose of the call was focused upon assessment of patient understanding of medication dosage, side effects, symptoms of worsening conditions, and scheduling of follow-up appointments. The results demonstrated that telephone intervention by a nurse practitioner has the potential to reduce readmission rate for hospitalized adults. Involvement of an advanced practice nurse to contact the patient by telephone during the transition to home after dismissal from the hospital, results in improved management of the condition after discharge. Reconceptualization of the discharge process as a transition period will bridge the gap in healthcare until the follow-up appointment. Telephone contact will individualize health care to meet the needs of the client. Early recognition of new or worsening symptoms will result in practitioner management of the condition, with decreased need for readmission. Keywords: readmission, adverse events, discharge, discharge planning, care transition. ." -- Abstract