Reducing Unplanned Hospital Readmissions| A Qualitative Exploratory Multiple-Case Study

• Main Author: Weatherspoon, Kathleen Janet
• Language: EN
• Published: University of Phoenix 2019
• Subjects: Nursing|Public policy|Health care management
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=13425878

<p> Healthcare quality measurement and care reimbursement have become a central focus for leaders and administrators of healthcare organizations. The provision of high-quality healthcare is contingent on the skills and abilities of leaders and clinical staff who support evidence-based clinical practice through implementation strategies. The problem defined in this qualitative exploratory multiple-case study was concerned with the frequency of unplanned hospital readmissions occurring in the state of Florida specifically, in healthcare facilities located in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties (tri-county area). Healthcare stakeholders working in organizations located in the tri-county area report hospital readmission rates of 23%, that resulted in higher financial penalties. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple-case study was to explore the reasons for higher than expected unplanned hospital readmissions in healthcare facilities located in the tri-county area of south Florida to help hospital administrators to improve healthcare quality through reducing unplanned rehospitalizations. Thirteen participants contributed to this study: 4 (31%) healthcare leaders, 4 (31%) clinicians, and 5 (38%) registered nurses. Through the collective experiences of healthcare stakeholders, two primary and two secondary themes emerged to provide a clearer understanding of the contributing factors related to unplanned hospital readmissions. Four themes namely, education, population, and cultures and resources supported existing literature and provided new knowledge related to the importance of executive leader knowledge, nurse educational and skill levels, patient literacy and language, and cultural elements when applying evidence-based clinical practices in complex healthcare environments. </p><p>