The Client
The National Capital Region VA Medical Center serves Veteran patients with a commitment to providing exceptional care and ensuring their unique post-care needs are met. The facility prides itself on creating an experience that fosters health, dignity, and trust among its patients.
The Challenge: Enhancing Discharge Education to Optimize Patient Outcomes
The National Capital Region VA Medical Center identified a critical opportunity to improve patient outcomes through better engagement and education. Specifically, they sought to empower Veterans by enhancing their understanding of discharge plans. A comprehensive approach to post-discharge care—including follow-up care, medication adherence, and access to durable medical equipment—was needed to ensure seamless transitions and reduce unnecessary hospital stays.
Without such a system in place, Veterans risked confusion about their care plans, leading to longer-than-necessary stays and potential readmissions. The challenge required a solution that was both innovative and accessible to the diverse Veteran population served by the facility.
The Solution: Partnering with Get Well to Empower Veterans
To address these challenges, the National Capital Region VA Medical Center partnered with Get Well, a leader in patient engagement solutions. Together, they implemented an educational program to engage and support Veterans at the critical juncture of discharge.
The program provided tailored educational resources and ensured that each Veteran fully understood their discharge plan before leaving the facility. This approach included ensuring:
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Care: Veterans were equipped with detailed instructions on their follow-up appointments and care needs.
- Medication Adherence: The program emphasized education on proper medication usage to prevent gaps in treatment.
- Access to Durable Medical Equipment: Every Veteran was connected with the equipment and support they needed to maintain their health and independence at home.
By leveraging Get Well’s patient engagement technology, the Medical Center delivered targeted, easy-to-understand educational content that empowered Veterans to take charge of their recovery process.
The Result: A 26% Reduction in OMELOS
The results of this initiative were profound. The National Capital Region VA Medical Center achieved a 26% reduction in observed minus expected length of stay (OMELOS). This improvement not only positively impacted operational efficiency but also enhanced the overall patient experience by equipping Veterans with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed after discharge.
This reduction demonstrates the power of patient-centered solutions in transforming care delivery. By prioritizing education and empowerment, the Medical Center significantly reduced unnecessary hospital stays, positively influencing Veterans’ quality of life while addressing critical healthcare system inefficiencies.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
The partnership between the National Capital Region VA Medical Center and Get Well exemplifies how strategic engagement and education initiatives can lead to measurable improvements in healthcare delivery. This case study highlights the effectiveness of:
- Patient Education and Empowerment: A well-informed patient is more likely to follow recommended care plans and experience successful recovery outcomes.
- Comprehensive Discharge Planning: Addressing all aspects of a patient’s post-care needs can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and boost overall system efficiency.
- Innovative Technology Solutions: Leveraging platforms like Get Well ensures healthcare facilities can deliver targeted and actionable support to diverse patient populations.
The 26% reduction in OMELOS positions the National Capital Region VA Medical Center as a model for integrating patient engagement into discharge planning processes. Their success underscores the potential for similar facilities to adopt such strategies to help both patients and organizations thrive.
Are you ready to transform patient care at your facility? Trust Get Well to empower your patients and improve your outcomes. For more information, reach out to our team of experts today.
