February 10, 2016

IWRI Research Scientist Rachelle McCarty Publishes Paper on Emergency Department Usage

Research Scientist and Program Manager of the Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds Program, Rachelle McCarty, recently published a journal article entitled “Frequent ED utilizers: A case management program to address patient needs” in the September 2015 issue of Nursing Management. Rachelle assessed the emergency department (ED) case management program at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE). This program aims to reduce health care costs and improve patient care by proactively aligning high ED utilizers with primary care physicians. Emergency departments are a critical component to the healthcare safety net; however, overutilization of EDs—particularly for non-emergent health concerns—can result in unnecessary overcrowding, increased costs and compromised quality of care. Rachelle’s research demonstrates that the ED case management program at PRMCE was effective at reducing the number of return ED visits by frequent utilizers and that it is a mutually beneficial program for both the patients and staff at PRMCE. Congratulations, Rachelle!