Digital engagement programs utilizing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) systems offer a promising avenue for improving post-discharge care coordination. Recent research published in the American Journal of Managed Care examined the impact of such a program on patient-clinician communication and readmission rates. Despite increasing touch points between patients and providers, the study found no significant reduction in readmission rates across different risk groups. However, it highlighted the potential of digital solutions to enhance patient engagement in care transitions. Future efforts should focus on addressing technological literacy barriers to optimize the effectiveness of post-discharge digital engagement initiatives.
Utilizing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) technology, a digital engagement initiative has been shown to increase communication between patients and healthcare providers post-discharge, according to recent research. However, this digital intervention did not influence readmission rates, as indicated by a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network, aimed to assess the impact of a post-discharge digital engagement program on care coordination and readmissions.
Discharging patients from hospitals presents challenges that could jeopardize patient safety and lead to readmission. In 2023, readmission rates in the United States ranged from 11.2 to 22.3 percent, with certain states’ hospitals experiencing rates exceeding 15 percent.
While enhancing care coordination can mitigate readmissions and emergency department visits, it comes with a substantial cost. For example, the cost ranges from $174 to $1,643 per beneficiary for Medicare and Medicaid, respectively.
The digital engagement program, utilizing the GetWell Loop RPM solution, facilitated increased communication between patients and clinicians through a user-friendly web or mobile application. The program involved check-ins lasting 12 days for low-risk patients and 30 days for medium- to high-risk patients, focusing on monitoring progress, and symptoms, and providing educational guidance regarding discharge diagnoses.
Despite offering more touch points between patients and providers, the digital engagement program did not significantly impact readmission rates across low-, medium-, and high-risk patient groups.
Moreover, there were no significant differences in readmission rates among patients who activated the program, regardless of their risk level. However, it was noted that patients who engaged with the program tended to be younger, White, and privately insured.
The researchers highlighted the importance of addressing technological literacy barriers to improve the effectiveness of post-discharge digital engagement initiatives.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of digital engagement in post-discharge care coordination. While the implementation of a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) system increased communication between patients and providers, it did not lead to a significant reduction in readmission rates. However, this research underscores the importance of addressing technological literacy barriers to maximize the effectiveness of digital engagement initiatives. Moving forward, healthcare organizations should continue to explore innovative strategies to optimize care transitions and improve patient outcomes in the post-discharge phase.
