The effect of a collaborative pharmacist-hospital care transition program on the likelihood of 30-day readmission.

Purpose: The effect of a collaborative pharmacist-hospital care transition program on the likelihood of 30-day readmission was evaluated.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in two acute care hospitals within the same hospital system in the southeastern United States. One hospital initiated a care transition program in January 2011; the other hospital did not have such a program.

Deployment of lean six sigma in care coordination: an improved discharge process.

Purpose/objectives: This article presents a quality improvement project to reduce readmissions in the Medicare population related to heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia. The article describes a systematic approach to the discharge process aimed at improving transitions of care from hospital to post-acute care, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Primary Practice Setting: Inpatient acute care hospital.