Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division

CoachJohn Hyatt Executive SponsorAmy Lorenz Administrator of Crisis Service Change LeaderSarah Garven RN Change Team MemberRaschel Tomlinson PSW Change Team MemberLeslie Cluka RN Change Team MemberStephen Bradford RN Change Team MemberLaShawn Walsh-Phillips RN Change Team MemberEdward Warzonek (data)

Problem: Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Psychiatric Crisis Service has a 30 day readmission rate of 22.7% Big Aim: Decrease the 30 day readmission rate (22.7%) of the Psychiatric Crisis Services (PCS) in Milwaukee County. Little Aim: To provide community resource information to 100% of patients discharged from PCS.

Many individuals that present to Psychiatric Crisis Service (PCS) lack knowledge of available resources in Milwaukee County. All patients discharged from PCS will receive a community resource handout. Providing individuals with resources to meet their basic needs will decrease the number of admissions to PCS for those primarily seeking shelter, clothing, and food. Utilization of such resources will decrease the 30 day readmission rate to PCS in Milwaukee County.

Baseline Data July 2013, PCS had a 30-day readmission rate of 15.8% day readmissions/978 total admissions Following Intervention July 2014, PCS had a 30-day readmission rate of 14.9% day readmissions/831 total admissions

The results from the sample demonstrated a decrease in the 30 day readmission rate. This decrease could be the result of many factors Increased Community Services Addition of the CART Team Community initiatives to decrease emergency detentions Resource Handout Other extenuating factors The handout will be adopted as a result of the potential positive impact it had on the readmission rate. There has not been any evidence of a negative effect.

The addition of the PCS Community Resource Handout has the potential to increase patient quality of life, increase avoidable use of crisis services, and decrease preventable cost associated with a PCS visit. The PCS Community Resource Handout offers a concise list of various resources commonly utilized by individuals in psychiatric crisis. The PCS Community Resource Handout reduces the amount of discharge paperwork while making resources discussed more accessible and user friendly. This project has increased awareness within our organization of the importance for educating clients about available resources in the community. Other branches within the organization have developed similar handouts for their specific clientele.