Unlocking the power of CAH swing bed programs

The health care landscape has long faced challenges around quality, especially in rural areas where critical access hospitals (CAHs) provide essential care to their communities. Through three years of dedicated data collection, Stroudwater Associates identified a remarkable trend: CAH swing bed programs consistently outperform skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in quality performance.

This valuable insight, captured through our Swing Bed Quality Reporting Program, underscores exceptional outcomes achievable in CAH settings and is detailed in Stroudwater Associate’s newly published white paper.: Critical Access Hospital Swing Bed Programs Outperform Skilled Nursing Facilities on Quality Performance.
 

Key findings

The white paper presents robust data that highlights the success of CAH swing bed programs in areas that are essential for patient recovery and community reintegration. Here are some of the standout metrics:

• Community reintegration: 73.6 percent of CAH swing bed patients were discharged back to their communities, far surpassing the SNF discharge rate of 49.7 percent.
• Reduced unplanned returns to acute care: 8 percent of CAH swing bed patients experienced unplanned returns to acute care, compared to 11.4 percent of patients in SNFs.
• 30-day post-discharge success: 9.2 percent of CAH swing bed patients returned to acute care, whereas SNFs saw a slightly higher rate of 10.5 percent.
   

 

Why quality data matters

Capturing, reporting, and benchmarking quality data is more than just a means of regulatory compliance — it’s a strategic opportunity. When CAHs can demonstrate superior outcomes, they strengthen their reputation as providers of high-quality, community-centered care. The white paper outlines how CAHs can leverage their data to boost visibility, attract referrals, and position themselves as preferred health care options within their communities.

The benefits of proactive quality reporting

For CAHs, proactive quality reporting can serve as a powerful tool to enhance their impact. By participating in programs like Stroudwater’s Swing Bed Quality Reporting Program, CAHs can gain access to invaluable benchmarking data, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Armed with this data, organizations can tailor their services to meet the needs of their communities, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize their operations.

Furthermore, quality reporting can be an effective marketing tool. Highlighting positive outcomes helps CAHs build trust among potential patients and referring providers alike, showcasing their commitment to excellence in care and their vital role in the community.

Discover how your organization can improve its service quality, build stronger connections with the community, and stand out as a provider of choice. Download the full white paper today to unlock these valuable insights and learn more about making the most of quality data for your CAH.

NRHA adapted the above piece from Stroudwater Associates, a trusted NRHA partner, for publication within the Association’s Rural Health Voices blog.

About the author: Lindsay Corcoran is a compassionate change agent and strong advocate for sustainability and access in rural health care. With over 12 years in health care and a background in practice management, Lindsay focuses on supporting and sustaining health care access for rural communities through hospital and medical practice operational assessment, affiliation strategies, and quality improvement. She has assisted rural and community hospitals and clinics across the country to improve operational and financial performance.