Abstract
Purpose of the Study: To determine whether routinely scheduled, organized interdisciplinary huddles result in decreased length of stay and readmissions.
Primary Practice Setting: The study was conducted in an academic health center (AHC) that also fills a community hospital need for a diverse inner-city population. Results are applicable in other care settings.
Methodology and Sample: Daily interdisciplinary huddles were piloted on 5 medical/surgical units. The 2015 readmission and length of stay data were compared with the 2013 baseline.
Results: There was a mean readmission reduction of 0.56%. A paired t test comparing the 2013 and 2015 readmission rates of the 5 units was significant (p < .05). There was a 0.42-day increase in the mean LOS between the 2013 baseline and the 2015 follow-up. A paired t test comparing 2013 and 2015 readmission rates of the 5 units was not significant at the .05 level.
Implications for Case Management Practice: Daily interdisciplinary sessions can result in reduced readmissions. Long-lasting positive outcomes related to enhanced communication are possible. Requirements for success include consistency in the standard huddle content reviewed. Data should be followed closely throughout an extended period of time to identify trends and support sustainment. Creative means to obtain input from services that cover multiple units and not be able to attend huddles may be necessary. Staff turnover will impact success. Variation in physician engagement can be addressed by frequent communication on the "why" behind the significance of the huddles, as well as sharing of change data highlighting success stories.