Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Innovative Technologies That Improve Care Coordination

Award Amount: $296,093
Approval Date: April 13, 2010
Start Date: May 1, 2010
End Date: April 30, 2012
Public Health Institute
555 12th Street
10th Floor
Oakland, California 94607
Principal Investigator: Carmen Nevarez, M.D., M.P.H.

Evidence is emerging that several new technologies, including remote patient-monitoring devices, medication optimization systems, and tools that improve caregiver-to-caregiver and caregiver-to-patient communications, can significantly reduce the need for hospital readmissions and lower costs by enabling a greater level of care coordination and integration. However, providers and researchers lack sufficient information about the best ways to incorporate these technologies into care redesign efforts, what to invest in and when, and how to implement the tools systemwide in order to reap their full benefit. This project will develop case studies, working papers, and tools based on different types of organizations that have successfully implemented these technologies. The findings will assist care delivery systems, community partnerships, and national organizations in efforts to improve care coordination and reduce avoidable hospital readmissions.