The first step is to identify why some patients are spending more time in your ED. Through discussions about their symptoms, therapy devices and their current treatment plan, your team should be able to recognize surface-level issues that contribute to their readmissions. But to make a significant impact, you need to get to the root cause of why these patients are readmitting in the first place.

According to Les Duncan, Director of Operations at Highmark Community and Health Services, behavioral health is a huge issue among frequent flyers. For them, the ED may be a social outlet or a safe place. They know that when they’re admitted, they get professional attention, their medications, a bed to sleep in, meals and more.

With statistics showing that COPD patients with depression are nearly three times more likely to be readmitted in one year, addressing mental health issues is a critical step to prevent constant readmissions.¹

• Ensure each team member has universal knowledge of the patient’s case
• Analyze the systemic breakdowns that may be causing readmissions
• Provide the education and therapies patients need to minimize exacerbations and maximize success
• Deliver consistent and continuous care from when a frequent flyer is admitted to when they return home
• Involve DME providers to perform an in-home visit and provide a frequent flyer with a device that is suited to their cognitive and physical capabilities