The return of a patient to the hospital for additional care within a specific timeframe after a previous discharge.

30-Day Readmission:

A commonly used timeframe to measure the rate at which patients return to the hospital within 30 days of their initial discharge.

Transitional Care:

Services and interventions provided to patients during the transition from the hospital to home or another care setting, aiming to reduce the risk of readmission.

Post-Discharge Follow-up:

Outreach and communication with patients after discharge to monitor their progress, address concerns, and provide necessary support.

Care Coordination:

The organized and synchronized management of healthcare activities to ensure seamless transitions between different levels of care and reduce the risk of readmission.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH):

A model of primary care that emphasizes comprehensive and coordinated care, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary readmissions.

Medication Reconciliation:

The process of reviewing and updating a patient’s medication list to ensure accuracy and prevent adverse events, a crucial aspect of transitional care.

High-Risk Populations:

Groups of patients, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, who are more susceptible to complications and readmissions.

Root Cause Analysis:

An investigative process to identify the underlying causes of readmissions, enabling healthcare providers to implement targeted interventions.

Telehealth:

The use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offering opportunities for virtual follow-up appointments and monitoring to reduce the need for readmission.

Patient Engagement:

Involving patients in their care by providing education, fostering communication, and encouraging active participation in managing their health post-discharge.

Health Literacy:

The ability of individuals to understand and apply health-related information, a crucial factor in preventing readmissions.

Discharge Planning:

The process of preparing a patient for a safe and effective transition from the hospital to home or another care setting, involving collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Avoidable Readmission:

A return to the hospital that could have been prevented through appropriate and timely interventions during the initial hospitalization or after discharge.