New Data Shows Community Health Workers Significantly Reduce Hospital Readmissions and Spending
2019 FEB 25 (NewsRx) -- By a
The program uses CHWs, frontline public health workers with a strong understanding of community resources, to help patients at high risk for hospital readmission due to medical, psychological, functional and socioeconomic complexity.
Data collected in 2017 and the first half of 2018 shows only 8 percent of program participants were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge compared with 18 percent of non-program participants. Only 23 percent of program participants returned to the hospital within 90 days post discharge compared with 34 percent of non-program participants. Over a two-year period, the reduction in readmissions represents more than
“We continue to be very encouraged by these results,” said
Maxim and UMSJMC also evaluated the program’s financial impact by comparing per-patient hospital charges in the months before and after program enrollment. Participants continued to generate lower hospital charges after the 30-day program was complete. Per-patient charges for participants decreased by 35 percent after 30 days and by 9 percent after 90 days. At the same time, non-program participants saw pre- to post-discharge charges decrease by 4 percent after 30 days and actually increase by 12 percent at 90 days.
Patients enrolled in the program are assigned a CHW who is specially trained to address issues such as transportation, housing, employment and access to medical services that are often barriers to care following discharge.
“The key to the success of this program is a strong focus on the social and behavioral barriers that keep many patients from adhering to their clinical plans,” said
The program is just one example of the growing role providers are assuming in addressing the social determinants of health. While the
“Health begins long before illness or injury strikes - in our homes, schools, neighborhoods and places of work,” said
The analysis followed 1,778 patients over a three-month period who were identified during their hospitalization as being at high risk for readmission. Of that group, 840 patients enrolled in the program and used CHW services while 938 did not enroll or did not respond to outreach following discharge from UMSJMC. Data provided by Maryland’s Health Information Exchange was also analyzed to establish visit and hospital charge information across all
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About Maxim Healthcare ServicesMaxim Healthcare Services provides a comprehensive suite of home healthcare, behavioral care, healthcare staffing, personal caregiving, and population health and wellness solutions. Our commitment to customer service, compassionate patient care and staffing experienced healthcare professionals has made a difference in the lives of patients, employees and caregivers nationwide for more than 30 years. Learn more about
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