Johnson MB, Laderman M, Coleman EA. Enhancing the effectiveness of follow-up phone calls to improve transitions in care: Three decision points. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2013 May;39(5):221-227.

Postdischarge follow-up calls are often cited as a cost-effective intervention to reduce the incidence of rehospitalizations within 30 days of discharge by improving communication with patients and families. This study used a nonsystematic review of the literature focused on the use of telephone follow-up to improve postdischarge processes and reduce avoidable readmissions, and examined use of such calls among organizations participating in the STate Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations (STAAR) initiative.

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