Correlations between the quality of inpatient care and hospital readmissions have been successful predictors of the relationship between patient satisfaction, contributing factors of readmission rates, and healthcare costs.
A study by Boulding et al. (2011), supports the theory of patient-centered care having an extremely important role in the evaluation of care received amongst the perception of patients. This study utilizes two very reliable data resources: US Department of Health and Human Services Hospital Compare database and the HCAHPS patient satisfaction data from July 2007-2008. In this study, quality was the focus of hospital readmission rates as it is known to provide insights from patients’ perspectives. Of course, all associations of readmission rates vary and are quite complex, but this information relates back to a patient-centered care model; where patients’ needs, value of care, and patient perspective are all considered. Outstanding communication consistently ranks high in value for patient satisfaction. Excellent communication and quality interactions are steadily noted while being admitted in hospitals to the likelihood of a more positive patient experience.
Conclusively, the information from this study is important as it could play a significant role when evaluating, measuring, and managing a hospital’s quality of care. As we know, higher patient satisfaction rates can equal lower readmission rates while increasing the quality of care of the hospitals’ performance while saving money across the board. To read the entire article, click the link: https://www.ajmc.com/view/ajmc_11jan_boulding_41to48
Reference
Boulding W, Glickman SW, Manary MP, Schulman KA, Staelin R. Relationship between patient satisfaction with inpatient care and hospital readmission within 30 days. Am J Manag Care. 2011 Jan;17(1):41-8. PMID: 21348567.