Patient Safety Update: Comment Period for Common Format—Readmissions Version 0.1 Beta Closes September 20

Comment Period for Common Format—Readmissions Version 0.1 Beta Closes September 20
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has contracted with the National Quality Forum (NQF) to assist with gathering and analyzing feedback for a new Common Format, the Common Format - Readmissions Version 0.1 Beta. View the Common Format—Readmissions Version 0.1 Beta and post comments by September 20, 2012.
AHRQ and the interagency Federal Patient Safety Workgroup (PSWG) developed Common Format–Readmissions Version 0.1 Beta to allow hospitals to aggregate data on readmissions. Using this standardized method of review, hospitals can identify factors associated with unnecessary readmissions.  These include factors such as:          

• Actions taken at the index hospitalization (or at discharge) to prevent a readmission;
• Risk factors for readmission;
• Length of stay;
• Presence of an adverse event; and
• Location of discharge setting.  

In addition, hospitals can compare their data to others and analyze trends on a community, regional, and national level.
AHRQ appreciates the time and effort individuals invest in providing comments.  All feedback received will be reviewed and considered to guide the development of a revised version of this Common Format.