Causes of unplanned hospital admissions: implications for practice and policy.

摘要

Unplanned hospitalizations among home health patients were reviewed to identify preventable hospital admissions and their causes. Study methods included treatment record review; interviews with home health visit staff, supervisors, and managers; and review of orientation materials and policies. Findings from this study suggest focus areas for home health agencies and other stakeholders to reduce acute care hospitalization rates and in other quality improvement initiatives.