In May 2009 IHI launched the STate Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations (STAAR) initiative — a groundbreaking, multi-state, multi-stakeholder approach to dramatically improve the delivery of effective care at a regional scale. The STAAR initiative aims to reduce rehospitalizations by working across organizational boundaries and by engaging payers, stakeholders at the state, regional and national level, patients and families, and caregivers at multiple care sites and clinical interfaces. IHI partners with STAAR states to provide strategic guidance, support and technical assistance to hospitals and cross-continuum teams to improve transitions in care and reduce avoidable rehospitalizations.
IHI currently works with four states through the STAAR initiative: Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Washington. As the work progresses, IHI will make programming and information available for other states, regions, or organizations across the continuum to learn from the initiative.