Home Health Aide On-the-Go In-service Vol 10, Issue 2, Preventing Hospitalization/Emergent Care OVERVIEW The transition of care between homecare and the hospital must be seamless, as flaws in this process lead to expensive rehospitalizations, frustrated patients, and poor public perception of an agency's quality of care. Home health aides play a vital role in this process and can impact the success of the transition. This in-service defines the aide's role in managing the complications associated with patient transition from the hospital to homecare. Aides will learn how they can help prevent rehospitalization by recognizing patient risk for falls, pressure ulcers, and other conditions. LESSON OBJECTIVES After completion of this program, the home health aide will be able to: Discuss the prevention of hospitalization/emergent care in homecare patients Discuss risk assessment for hospitalization, falls, and pressure ulcers Define and discuss the home health aide's role in preventing rehospitalizations and emergent care Understand the role and importance of risk assessment, patient education, disease and medication management, prevention of falls and pressure ulcers, and effective care transitions in reducing rehospitalizations Discuss the importance of effective communication techniques Contents of this lesson: A clearly written fact sheet A 10-question post-test to measure understanding of the subject matter An answer sheet with a place for the instructor's comments and signature An illustrative, homecare-specific case study Suggested supplemental learning activities An attendance log and certificate of completion