An investigation of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility-to-hospital readmissions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility (SNF)-to-hospital readmissions.

PROBLEM

The rate of rehospitalizations from SNF within 30 days of original discharge has increased within the last decade.

SETTING

The research team participants conducted a literature review via Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed to collect data about quality improvement implemented in SNFs.

RESULTS

The most common facilitator was the incorporation of specialized staff. The most cited barriers were quality improvement tracking and implementation.

CONCLUSION

These strategy examples can be useful to acute care hospitals attempting to lower bounce back from subacute care providers and long-term care facilities seeking quality improvement initiatives to reduce hospital readmissions.