Digital Nudge Prompting for Reducing Readmissions

(PREVENT-R Trial)

This trial tests a digital nudge system designed to reduce hospital readmissions. It targets older adults who have been hospitalized in the last 30 days and are at high risk of readmission. The system sends reminders to emergency room doctors to consider connecting patients with community support services. Patients living in areas with high social needs may be well-suited for this study. The goal is to determine if these reminders can lower the likelihood of another hospital visit. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for patients to contribute to innovative research that could enhance healthcare outcomes for many.

Research has shown that digital nudges in healthcare are generally safe. Studies have found that these nudges, such as electronic alerts, do not pose major safety issues for patients. For example, one study found that electronic health record (EHR) nudges helped doctors improve care without causing significant problems. Another study demonstrated that automated interactive messages, similar to digital nudges, were safe and did not raise any major concerns.

Unlike the standard care for reducing hospital readmissions, which usually involves routine discharge planning and follow-up appointments, digital nudge prompting offers a fresh approach. This innovative method leverages electronic medical records (EMR) to send reminders to emergency department clinicians, encouraging them to consider specific patient referrals. Researchers are excited about this trial because it could enhance how clinicians make decisions, potentially leading to more personalized care and better support for patients through structured navigation programs. By using technology to prompt timely interventions, this approach might reduce readmissions more effectively than traditional methods.

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of digital nudge prompting in reducing hospital readmissions. Research has shown that digital nudges can decrease the frequency of patient readmissions. Studies have found that these digital reminders, which prompt healthcare providers to offer additional support, correlate with fewer readmissions and increased patient satisfaction. In this trial, one group will receive EMR-based digital nudges prompting clinicians to consider referrals to supportive services, while the control group will continue with usual care. When healthcare teams use these nudges, they are more likely to connect patients with beneficial community services. This early support can prevent future hospital visits by addressing patient needs sooner. Overall, digital nudges could significantly help keep patients out of the hospital after discharge.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰