Reducing Hospital Readmissions Using a Nurse Practitioner Led Interprofessional Collaborative Management Model of Caring: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

The purpose of this DNP project was to determine the feasibility of implementing a nurse practitioner led interprofessional collaborative management model of caring for patients with complex medical conditions who are at high risk for ED and hospital readmission. The target of the feasibility study was an accountable care organization (ACO) in Idaho. The ACO assumes greater financial risk for providing care to a population that includes Medicare Advantage patients - dual insured Medicare/Medicaid patients. The care management teams are currently led by physicians. The members of the population that suffer most from multiple chronic conditions often encounter barriers to accessing high quality primary care, in particular when transitioning between different levels of care. Interprofessional collaborative team based care coordination can address medical and social issues that can affect a patient’s ability to achieve/maintain wellness. The literature suggests that nurse practitioners are ideally suited to lead those teams Approval was given by leadership in the ACO to accomplish a study to determine the feasibility of successfully implementing an innovative NP led interprofessional collaborative care management model: the AEIØOU Bundle of Care Practices. Principles of qualitative descriptive methodology, using content analysis, were applied to explore the responses provided at individual interviews by thirteen key stakeholders. The data collected were not intended to be generalized, but rather to evaluate the potential for implementation of a new model of interprofessional collaborative care within the ACO. Findings suggest that implementation of this model is feasible within the ACO. Common themes uncovered include: (a) change is challenging, (b) coordinated patient care aligns with organizational goals, (c) success requires cost analysis, a comprehensive business plan, buy-in from primary care physicians, and a pilot program, and (d) strong support among all participants for NP and RN home visits was notable.