The National Quality Forum (NQF) Board of Directors has endorsed two measures that address all-cause unplanned readmissions in hospitals – an area of healthcare targeted for improvement given national imperatives to make healthcare safer, more affordable, and keep people healthy. Research shows an avoidable hospital readmission can mean prolonged illness, emotional distress, and loss of productivity. Readmissions are attributable to a wide range of factors, including the availability of social supports and post-acute care for people, especially those of low income, as they transition from the hospital back into the community.
Endorsed Measures
- 1768: Plan all-cause readmissions (NCQA)
- 1789: Hospital-wide all-cause readmission measure (CMS/Yale)