Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals strive to deliver high-quality care to the nation’s vulnerable seniors. Unfortunately, many individuals are harmed while they are being treated. DFMC is working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on several important projects to reduce healthcare-acquired conditions (HACs) in nursing homes, including pressure ulcers and physical restraints, by 40% by 2014.
HACs are a costly drain on our healthcare systems and often result in unplanned hospital readmissions and increased lengths of stay. But they can be prevented when the entire nursing home team, including administrators, nurses, and other clinicians, dietary, therapists, housekeeping, and front-line staff use evidenced-based interventions daily with every resident. Preventing these conditions enhances the quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
Nursing homes also play a vital role in reducing avoidable hospital readmissions. Recent studies show that more than 15% of Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days of discharge at an estimated cost of $12 billion annually. Interventions to improve transfers between hospitals, nursing homes, and others along the continuum of care are well documented. DFMC is working on community-based care transitions programs around the state. Learn more about this initiative.
Please visit the Educational Sessions page where you will find recorded webinar presentations.