Florida HEN improves care for 27,500 patients, saves $170 million

Hospitals participating in the Florida Hospital Association’s Hospital Engagement Network improved care for more than 27,500 patients over three years, avoiding an estimated $170 million in health care costs, the association reported this week. Among other improvements, the 77 hospitals prevented 15,072 readmissions, 4,649 adverse drug events, 2,711 early elective deliveries, 1,081 catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and nearly 1,000 injuries from falls. The Florida HEN was part of the AHA/Health Research & Educational Trust Hospital Engagement Network, a three-year project of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Partnership for Patients initiative. CMS is accepting proposals for the second round of HEN contracts through March 30. For details, visit FedBizOpps.gov.