Identification of process measures to reduce postoperative readmission

Area of Science:

• Surgical Quality Improvement
• Patient Readmission Research
• Healthcare Process Optimization

Background:

• Postoperative readmission rates following intestinal surgery are high, particularly for urgent/emergent cases (up to 21%).
• Limited guidance exists for healthcare providers to effectively reduce these readmission rates beyond managing individual complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate key processes of care that can help reduce postoperative readmissions after intestinal surgery.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving surgical patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review and expert interviews were conducted to identify potential process measures.
• Eleven experts utilized the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology to rank the validity of 49 proposed process measures.

Main Results:

• 34 out of 49 (69%) proposed process measures were rated as valid by the expert panel.
• Valid measures included preoperative assessment of comorbidities, standardized perioperative care protocols, detailed patient instructions, and enhanced communication with referring physicians.

Conclusions:

• An expert panel has identified critical aspects of care essential for reducing postoperative readmissions.
• Implementing these validated care processes can enhance patient care quality and decrease hospital readmission rates.