Background: Since the implementation of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, 30-day readmissions have decreased across the U.S. regardless of hospital teaching intensity. The effect of financial penalties on long term readmission rates has not been studied. Teaching hospitals serve as leaders in medical education, research, innovation, and patient care. Therefore, we examined whether long-term readmission […]

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains one of the commonest causes of medical and intensive care unit hospitalisations. DKA is a preventable hospital admission which is associated with multiple modifiable risk factors. However, little is known about factors that can predict healthcare resource utilisation in DKA. Previous studies have explored clinical and biochemical factors affecting the […]

Background: In 2015, the United States had 25 million people with limited English proficiency (LEP). Most prior studies on disparities in outcomes in hospitalized patients with LEP compared to those with English proficiency were conducted outside the US and focused on outcomes such as hospital length of stay and mortality. There are also Emergency Department […]

Background: In 2012, as part of Value based purchasing program, CMS instituted the Hospital Readmission Reduction program (HRRP). This aimed to decrease the number of unplanned readmission to the hospital for six conditions: Acute myocardial infarction(AMI),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD), Heart Failure (HF), Pneumonia ( PNA) , Coronary bypass graft(CABG), Elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) […]

Background: Oncology comanagement of hospitalized cancer patients is increasingly common. We (1) and others (2-4) have previously demonstrated that when compared with traditional oncologist-only staffing, hospitalist co-management can improve on well-recognized quality outcomes including length of stay, early discharge rates and 30-day readmission rates. Yet, the composition of an oncology hospitalist practice is incompletely understood […]

Background: Accountable Care Units (ACUs) with Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds (SIBR® rounds) have shown significant improvements in throughput, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction. Yet, prior studies have noted difficulties achieving such improvements or sustaining them. Interdisciplinary rounds are a predominantly physician-led teamwork process with efficacy vulnerable to inconsistent physician leadership and engagement. Our hospital had previously […]

Background: Cancer is a risk factor for readmissions. We aimed to describe the potentially preventable 7-day unplanned readmissions in patients admitted to the hospital medicine service at a tertiary comprehensive cancer center. There is currently no defined criteria for potentially preventable readmissions among the cancer population. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis performed by a […]

Background: Heart Failure (HF) is among the top 10 causes of hospitalization and almost a fifth are readmitted within 30 days. Clinical assessment of lung congestion is subjective and patients may be discharged prior to good resolution. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is helpful in evaluating lung congestion. The presence of B-lines on LUS can reliably indicate […]

Background: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who improve clinically but have ongoing oxygen requirements are often discharged with home oxygen. There are important considerations for home monitoring, follow-up and education at the time of discharge for these patients who must manage new equipment at home. This project aimed to describe discharge planning for COVID-19 patients with […]

Background: The 30-day readmission rate is a key performance indicator for hospitals and hospitalist groups alike. Studies have reported a correlation between scheduling follow-up appointments and reduced readmission rates in specific patient populations (e.g. Heart Failure, COPD). However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of scheduling post-discharge appointments in general medicine patients has been mixed. Methods: We […]