Reduce Re-admission Rate for Detoxification – NIATx Project 2012

AIM (Plan) North Central Health Care

North Central Health Care Changes (Do) Re-trained all staff on use of UPC to ensure accurate and consistent application of tool. Reviewed, improved (clearly defined), admission criteria for detoxification services. Provided community informational sessions regarding detoxification (law enforcement & hospitals). Developed and implemented new level of Detoxification (Ambulatory Detoxification). New program opened October 1, 2012.

North Central Health Care Results (Study) Ongoing tracking of UPC’s to ensure appropriate level of care is provided. Ongoing tracking of admissions for detoxification in both sites: Ambulatory Detoxification Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital (those who are admitted for psychiatric reasons, however are also in need of detoxification). Re-admissions (30-day re-admission rate) have decreased from 32.4% (April, 2012) to 20% (September, 2012).

North Central Health Care Next Steps (Act) There continues to be a need for another level of service (for individuals who are in need of detoxification, however are not willing to receive this care). Law enforcement and hospitals are concerned about not having a facility to “lock” people in who are not willing to stay at NCHC for detoxification services. Ambulatory detoxification does not meet the needs of the population of people who are in need of detoxification services and are “uncooperative.”

Impact (Lessons Learned) North Central Health Care Impact (Lessons Learned) Implementing a significant change project is accomplished most successfully by starting with a very thorough evaluation process (Plan). Decisions based on data are easily supported by leadership and the community. Team-based decision making is critical to the success of a change project. Process-Improvement initiatives require the involvement of high-preforming staff.