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.