When patients are discharged from an episode of care in the emergency department (ED), they face a myriad of problems almost immediately. These patients are not yet well but must understand and follow discharge instructions, fill new prescriptions or take existing medications differently, follow a new plan of care, and obtain a follow-up appointment in a physician’s office. 

The ED is not only the nation’s safety net for care access, it is also uniquely positioned to lead meaningful change when it comes to how hospitals and health systems address supporting patients after discharge.  

Without support after discharge, patients’ outcomes worsen and there is a decrease in trust and satisfaction with their health care provider. Additionally, a lack of support can lead to increased avoidable costs for hospitals and health systems and more demand in stress in the ED.  

For years, there has been a consensus on what types of interventions patients need during these vulnerable time periods, but time and again, there are issues with implementation, consistency, and sustainable funding. To overcome these challenges, we must take a step back, evaluate both responsibilities and opportunities, and make the necessary changes to benefit patients, clinicians, hospitals, and health systems. 

Drawing on over 25 years of experience in the health care and management industry, SCP Health President of Value-Based Care, Lisa Fry, explores how to combine current solutions with advanced technology to create a new approach to improving post-discharge patient support.  

Read to learn more about how integrated, tech-enabled, and people-powered strategies can help transform patient care, including: 

• Implementing ED-discharge follow-up support and care coordination 
• Utilizing connected, multi-channel technology 
• Aligning care delivery with proper payment models and funding mechanisms 
• Realizing a return on investment for patients, clinicians, hospitals, and health systems