IHI Updates Guides for Improving Care Transitions

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has updated its guides for improving care transitions from a hospital, a postacute care setting, or a rehabilitation facility to other care settings in an effort to reduce avoidable rehospitalizations. The guides address transitions from the hospital to clinical office practices or community settings (free registration required to access documents). For example, the guide on improving transitions to office practices lists four key changes that can minimize typical problem areas during transfers. The first is to ensure timely and appropriate care after a hospitalization. Steps include reviewing information received from the hospital about admissions and anticipated discharges daily and providing appropriate follow-up care.