Copy-Program meant to curb repeat hospital stays fails big test
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE
AP Chief Medical Writer
Researchers are reporting disappointing results from a promising program in Camden, New Jersey, to keep hard-to-treat patients from constantly returning to the hospital. Health workers visited homes, went along to doctor appointments, ensured medicines were available and tackled social problems including homelessness and mental health issues. But results published in Wednesday's New England Journal of Medicine show that after six months, readmission rates were the same for those in the program and others given usual care. Researchers say more effort must focus on homelessness and addiction, which complicate medical care. People experiencing them tend to rack up big medical bills.
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