Hospital Readmissions and Measures - Essay Example

"Hospital Readmissions and Measures" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system. Hospital readmissions have been a problem in various countries around the world. In the United States, this has been the biggest challenge to the healthcare stakeholders. It is estimated that more than one million Americans return to hospitals a few days after discharge to problems that could have been avoided (National Centre for Policy Analysis (NCPA) 1). Readmission also is viewed as a costly affair. As noted, it costs more than $1 billion a year (NCPA 1). These issues have led to intervention by the government. In fact, strict measures have been put in place where hospitals that experience a high rate of readmission are being punished.

The readmission process is influenced by several factors. One of the main factors is a lack of access to primary care (Anonymous 1). Therefore, patients look for alternative care through hospital emergency departments. Some people also prefer hospital care instead of primary care.  Another factor that may influence readmission is helplessness, depression, and the feeling of being isolated (Anonymous 1). Moreover, lack of proper coordination and system of discharge may lead to one being readmitted.

There are various ways in which hospital readmission can be prevented. The first significant thing is to improve primary care. Improvement of primary care may help take care of some of the issues arising from chronic disease (Centre for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR) 1). The other way to overcome the challenge is to offer effective outpatient supervision of patients with chronic diseases (CHQPR 1).

In conclusion, it is clear hospital readmission is a challenge that needs to be reduced.