Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)
School
Health Services
Advisor
Miriam Ross
Abstract
Readmissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major contributor to healthcare costs and patient outcomes. The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid was implemented to decrease high rates of readmissions for serious medical problems, including COPD. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HRRP resulted in reductions in readmissions and costs for COPD patients. The Donabedian model was used as the theoretical framework to investigate three research questions concerning whether there are statistically significant differences in terms of readmission rates, total charges, and primary type of insurance payment before and after implementation of HRRP. The target population for this study was patients with a diagnosis of COPD who were seen in healthcare systems in Florida before and after implementation of HRRP. Secondary data for the years 2014 to 2017 were obtained through the Healthcare Cost Utilization Project. This secondary data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test and chi-square analysis with the dependent variables readmissions rates, primary payment method, and total charges. Results from this study revealed an increase in overall readmissions rates and average charges post implementation of HRRP in Florida for patients diagnosed with COPD. This information may be used for positive social change by improving the culture of patient care for this specific patient population in Florida. Also, healthcare administrators may find results informative and gain an understanding of effects of HRRP on patient care for COPD patients.
Recommended Citation
O'Connell, Heather, "Effects of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program on COPD Readmissions and Costs." (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13659.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13659
