MBSAQIP data helped target problem areas to cut readmissions

A meeting attendee asked if providing this service led to any problems with clinic capacity.

“Sometimes,” Dr. Aher said. “We don’t have a huge number of patients coming in for IV hydration, but when we had two come in on the same day, it did take up a couple of exam rooms.” To address this, the clinicians found other space in the clinic that would offer privacy for patients while not tying up exam rooms.

In addition, the clinic expanded nurse practitioner availability to 5 days a week to make the discharge process more consistent. “Of course, as we rolled all these things out, we made sure our educational material was updated accordingly,” Dr. Aher said.

The study demonstrates that a collaborative team effort and targeted interventions can result in a significant reduction in readmissions, Dr. Aher said. “Regular quality focused meetings are really important to facilitate recognition of various areas for improvement, especially in a high-volume center. Introducing an MBSAQIP registry serves as an excellent tool to effect these changes,” he said.

Dr. Aher had no relevant financial disclosures.