Chief Executive Officer, Nashville General Hospital at Meharry

Dissertation Title

Effect of a faith-based initiative on hospital readmissions.

Dissertation Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a faith-based initiative and hospital readmissions. The main data source used was the inpatient data-base of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare System (MLH) in Memphis, TN. Data were collected from admissions that occurred during years 2008 through 2012 at four of MLH's five adult acute-care hospitals. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey were also used in the study.

This study uses theoretical tenets from the Social Justice and Equity Theory and the Chronic Care Model as its conceptual framework. The study consisted of an aggregated cross-section data analysis. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were calculated using PASW/SPSS statistical software, version 20. The dependent variable was hospital readmission within 30 days of an index admission. The independent variable was CHN member or non-CHN member. Due to the dependent variable being dichotomous, logistic regression was determined to be the most appropriate analysis.

Key findings in the study indicated that among inpatients admitted for chronic conditions, the likelihood of readmission for CHN members was not significantly different than that of non-CHN members. Secondly, among inpatients admitted for chronic conditions and residing in low socioeconomic neighborhoods, the likelihood of readmission was not significantly different between CHN and non-CHN members. Additional findings indicated that among patients with chronic illnesses, an increase in level of severity of illness contributes significantly to higher odds of readmission. Finally, the study indicated that among the four chronic illnesses identified in the study, CHF has significantly higher odds of being readmitted within 30 days.