Faculty Collaboration Database

Multidisciplinary Bedside Huddles Reduce Readmissions in High-Risk Patients. WMJ 2026;125(2):251-256

Date

06/08/2026

Pubmed ID

42258649

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105041576620 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Readmission rates have a significant impact on hospital systems, from financial performance to patient satisfaction. Determining efficient, effective interventions to reduce readmission rates is imperative to improving hospital and patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate a multidisciplinary discharge process for high-risk patients that is cost-effective, achieves high uptake in a large academic health center, and decreases readmissions.

METHODS: A multiphase intervention was implemented at a large academic hospital. The Phase 1 pilot, performed on a single inpatient unit, implemented a multidisciplinary bedside huddle 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge for patients at high risk for readmission based on a previously validated risk score.

RESULTS: Phase 1 showed a reduction in readmission rates for high-risk patients from 36% (pre-intervention) to 20% (post-intervention). In Phase 2, the huddle was expanded to 2 units: 1 "opt-in" and 1 "opt-out." Huddle uptake was higher on the opt-out unit (89% vs 4%) and associated with lower readmission rates for patients receiving huddles (20.9% vs 40%) and for those on the opt-out unit (28.3% vs 38.7%). In Phase 3, the huddle was expanded to all units and showed a sustained lower readmission rate for those receiving a predischarge huddle than those who did not (26.13% vs 33.78%).

CONCLUSIONS: For patients at high risk of readmission, a predischarge multidisciplinary bedside huddle utilizing an opt-out implementation model reduces readmissions.

Author List

Voigt L, Hilgeman B, Segon A

Author

Brian Hilgeman MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Academic Medical Centers
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Care Team
Patient Discharge
Patient Readmission
Pilot Projects