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.

Findings/conclusions: A coordinated discharge process, which includes postdischarge follow-up, can reduce avoidable readmissions. Implications for

Case Management: The quality improvement project demonstrated the significant role case management plays in preventing costly readmissions and improving outcomes for patients through better transitions of care from the hospital to the community. By utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology, hospitals can focus on eliminating waste in their current processes and build more sustainable improvements to deliver a safe, quality, discharge process for their patients. Case managers are leading this effort to improve care transitions and assure a smoother transition into the community postdischarge..