Wisconsins PATH ALONG reduces hospital readmissions

The PATH ALONG model forges increased access to supportive services for Wisconsin's consumers.  PATH ALONG design lends an ease of referral from the inpatient system. The service PATH ALONG delivers flows from a clear goal to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.

Health system planners reviewing readmission data soon discover a link to primary care is only a piece of the larger puzzle.   The hospital discharged population is demonstrating a need for medical as well as social community programming to maintain stability in the home setting.   Recovery progress often hinges on timely access to a supportive care service provider.

The primary medical care model can identify unmet needs on the inpatient assessment tools but it is the supportive care agency that will actually fill those needs.  Recovering patients often need help with one or more daily tasks like meals, bath, dressing, medication reminders, toileting, ambulation, transfers, safety and sanitation, errands, bill paying, tracking appointments, memory loss, provider communication, and spiritual connections to name a few.

The PATH ALONG model utilizes a needs based approach which means the patient is encouraged to do what they can on their own.  Supportive (www.homecarepath.com) staff is attached for specific unmet needs so time (20.00 per hour) as the measure of investment is managed to control monetary out put.  This is a managed care strategy to reduce duplication.

Improving access for patients who need supportive care upon discharge helps health system planners comprehend hospital readmissions are not an unsolvable problem.  PATH ALONG is an original Wisconsin model that connects inpatient providers to community staff who support the patient during health system transitions.  Call 608-432-4286  or email lkutzke@homecarepath.onmicrosoft.com to schedule service.  Please click on the link below with free access for more information

http://www.homecarepath.com/Pages/PRESSRELEASEOriginalWisconsinModelToReduceHospitalReadmissionRates.aspx