Utilization of Discharge Checklist and Improved Education Reduces Hospital Readmission Rates in Childhood Leukemia
Erin Goode1,2, Rotem Fishel Ben-Kenan3, Jennifer Hess4
1Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit.
Insights
Hospital readmissions for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) induction were analyzed. Interventions including a discharge checklist and standardized education reduced these readmissions by 20%.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often face hospital readmissions during induction therapy.
- Identifying and addressing preventable causes of readmission is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify preventable causes of hospital readmissions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients undergoing induction therapy.
- To implement interventions aimed at reducing treatment-associated complications and readmission rates.
Main Methods:
- A dashboard was utilized to monitor newly diagnosed ALL patients.
- Readmission causes were categorized as preventable, possibly preventable, or unpreventable.
- Interventions included a discharge checklist, standardized patient education, and a modified discharge date.
Main Results:
- Initially, 57 of 98 patients (58.2%) were readmitted, with 16 (28.1%) deemed preventable.
- Following interventions, readmission rates decreased, with only 23 readmissions, of which 78.3% were unpreventable.
Conclusions:
- Implementation of targeted interventions significantly reduced hospital readmission rates in ALL induction patients.
- Improved discharge processes, including education and checklists, are effective in decreasing preventable readmissions.
Objective:
The aim is to identify preventable cause for hospital readmissions during induction and implement interventions to decreased preventable treatment-associated complications.
Background:
Multiple factors contribute to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) requiring readmissions during induction.
Materials And Methods:
A dashboard monitored features of newly diagnosed patients with ALL. Readmission causes were stratified as preventable, possibly preventable, or unpreventable. A discharge checklist, including standardized education, and change of discharge date were implemented.
Results:
Initially, there were 57 hospital readmissions of 98 patients (9 intensive care unit admissions and 2 deaths). Sixteen preventable (28.1%) and 32 unpreventable (56.1%) readmissions. After the interventions were initiated, including improved education, discharge checklist utilization, and standardized discharge date, there were 23 readmissions (78.3% were unpreventable, 6 intensive care unit admissions).
Conclusion:
Intervention implementation reduced readmission rates of induction patients with ALL by 20%.
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