Outcome Measures Focus: Acute Care Hospitalization and Improvement in Management of Oral Medications 

Acute Care Hospitalization is the focus for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Home Care Association of Arkansas.  The HHQI National Campaign was launched on Jan. 11, 2007, in Baltimore, MD. The campaign focuses on patients, and is geared toward delivering the right care at the right time, every time. HHA participants will work to reduce the number of avoidable hospitalizations in the home care setting while improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The following tools have shown success with consistent use:

• Hospital Risk Assessment (pdf)
• Emergency Care Plan (pdf)
• ACH/ER Follow-up Form (pdf)

Medication Management is another Arkansas focus for improvement. Lack of proper medication management can result in repeat hospitalizations and adverse patient outcomes. 

The following tools have shown success with consistent use:

• Instructions for Oral Meds Staff Interviews (pdf)
• Oral Meds Staff Interview (pdf)
• Oral Meds Tally Sheet (pdf)
• Medication Simplification Protocol (pdf)