Reducing Hospital Readmissions Among High-Risk Patient Populations

Community and Public Health Reducing Hospital Readmissions among High-Risk Patient Populations
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Community and Public Health Reducing Hospital Readmissions among High-Risk Patient Populations
Abstract
Congestive Heart Failure or CHF is among the leading causes of hospital readmissions in the U.S. This statement is true for patients who are 65 years and above. With notable improvements in the healthcare sector, outcomes have improved for this group of patients. However, readmission cases continue to rise a few months after discharge. Some of these readmissions are preventable and stem from the negligence of healthcare organizations. So, there is a need to find ways and adopt measures that will help reduce these readmissions. The financial penalty on hospitals imposed by the Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction. However, there is a need to adopt other measures that are driven by healthcare organizations.
Discuss and examine the rationale for hospital readmissions among patients of 65 years and older with diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
In the United States, Congestive Heart Failure or CHF remains one of the leading causes of readmission for patients 65 years and above. Major strides have been made to help enhance patient outcomes with CHF. However, readmission rates are still high, and patients are forced to spend more money with each visit to the hospital. According to Nair et al. (2020), the rate of hospital readmissions for CHF patients 65 years and older stands at 26.9%. This is quite high considering the improvements that have been made to help enhance patient outcomes. There is a need to have measures to help reduce these numbers. The Affordable Care Act that was passed in 2010 was a flicker of hope because of the penalties it introduced on hospitals. But, what is the rationale for hospital readmissions? Why are these numbers this high? What are some of the reasons why these numbers are high among CHF patients 65 years and above? Below is an explication of such factors.
First, readmissions among patients 65 years and older are high because of poor drug compliance. Poor drug compliance means that patients are not following their doctors' prescriptions. Even though this cause or reason is preventable, it will continue to be a problem, and it will lead to increased rates of readmissions. Ruppar et al. (2016) note that poor drug compliance often leads to exacerbations cases or events among CHF patients. The result is an increased rate of readmissions for this group of patients. However, while it is possible and logical to blame patients for the above problem or rationale, it is crucial to consider a few issues that could lead or result to poor drug compliance. One such issue is the healthcare professionals' failure to warn patients of the potential side effects of certain drugs. A patient could be willing to take part in the treatment process. However, an unexpected reaction could have them doubt the viability or their commitment to the treatment process. In the end, some decide not to continue with their medication.
Aside from the above, there is the problem or issue of comorbidities that appear to contribute to the high rate of hospital readmissions for CHF ...