Document Type
DNP Project
Department
School of Nursing
Date of Degree
Spring 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Primary Advisor
Cara Padovano, DNP
Keywords
Readmission Assessments; Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program; Case Managers
Abstract
Background: Hospital readmissions within 30 days serve as a key quality indicator, influencing patient outcomes and financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Inpatient case managers play a crucial role in conducting readmission assessments to identify preventable causes and implement mitigation strategies. However, low completion rates and variability in assessment accuracy limit data collection and quality improvement efforts.
Aims: This quality improvement project aimed to (1) improve case managers’ understanding of readmissions and their impact on quality measures and reimbursement, (2) enhance self- perceived competence in completing readmission assessments, and (3) increase the percentage of completed readmission assessments on inpatient units.
Methods: An educational in-service was implemented for 20 inpatient case managers across 11 of 27 hospital units. The intervention included a review of readmission definitions, HRRP policies, Epic workflow, and patient interview techniques. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge quizzes and self-assessment surveys were conducted. Readmission assessment completion rates were measured via Epic reports before and after the intervention.
Results: Post-intervention quiz scores significantly improved (pre-test mean: 87.5%, post-test: 100%, p < 0.01). Self-assessment surveys showed increased confidence in conducting readmission assessments, particularly in adjusting Epic settings (p < 0.001) and identifying readmission reasons (p = 0.008). Completion rates significantly increased in both intervention (pre: 36.0%, post: 77.91%, p < 0.001) and non-intervention units (pre: 29.5%, post: 71.5%, p < 0.001), though no significant difference was found between the two groups.
Conclusions: The educational intervention successfully improved case managers’ knowledge, confidence, and readmission assessment completion rates. Future efforts should explore additional barriers to assessment completion and strategies for sustaining improvements.
Implications: Enhancing case managers' competency in readmission assessments can contribute to hospital-wide quality improvement and cost savings. Sustained education, policy reinforcement, and workflow integration are critical to long-term success.
Copyright Notice
©2025 Katharine McAneny. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
McAneny, K. (2025). The Implementation of an Educational Program and Workflow to Improve the Accuracy and Completion Rates of 30-day Readmission Assessments Among Inpatient Case Managers. , (). Retrieved from https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/169
Open Access
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