Hospitals Improve Readmissions Rate Using KONZA Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Alliant partnered with KONZA (a health information exchange provider) to provide services to hospitals in Kansas under the Hospital Quality Improvement Contract (HQIC).

The technical assistance provided includes data analysis and monthly one-on-one coaching calls. The KONZA HIE workflow specialist met with hospital improvement teams to identify opportunities based on data and trends and provide evidence-based interventions. Training is also provided to the hospitals, as the HIE dashboard is a source for readmission data. See the HIE dashboard for hospital readmissions.

Trego County Lemke Memorial is a 25-bed critical access hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. The tool is valuable to the hospital team as readmission reports are discussed at meetings and can be printed out for regulatory requirements.

To decrease readmissions, their hospital team is currently reviewing health disparities data and health-related social needs and has implemented the following interventions:

• Leadership meetings to review readmission data.
• Risk assessment conducted properly upon admission.
• Discharge follow-up calls within 48 hours by infection preventionist.
• Discharge follow-up appointments with a primary care physician and/or specialist.

As of October 2023, their relative improvement rate (RIR Achieved) for hospital readmissions rate improved by 28.54% compared to the baseline and RIR goal (5.0%). Four readmissions have been avoided, with $65,612 in cost savings.

Hanover Hospital, a 25-bed hospital in Hanover, Kansas, also uses the dashboard and readmissions reports. To decrease readmissions, their hospital team is currently reviewing health disparities data and health-related social needs and has implemented the following interventions:

• Leadership engaged in meetings to review.
• Transitional care program or department assists with post-discharge needs.
• Meds to Beds program.
• Medication reconciliation for patients with high readmission risk.

As of October 2023, their RIR Achieved for hospital readmissions rate improved 52.78% compared to baseline and RIR goal (5.0%). Hanover has been maintaining a zero readmissions rate since January 2023.

Technical assistance, including the KONZA HIE dashboard, adds value to how Alliant HQIC hospitals use technology tools for data analysis.