Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) Training Program

The Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) training program was designed to help hospitals re-engineer their discharge process. Using the study modules and supporting materials, hospitals become familiar with Project RED's processes and components, determine metrics for evaluating impact, and learn how to implement Project RED.

This content was developed from an AHRQ project that ran from 2009 to 2012 and is based on an early version of the RED Toolkit. Select for the latest version of the RED Toolkit.

Introduction

The Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) intervention is a patient-centered, standardized approach to discharge planning. Initially developed through research conducted by Dr. Brian Jack of the Boston University Medical Center and funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Project RED improves patient preparedness for self care and reduces preventable readmissions.

This training program is designed to help you implement Project RED program within your hospital. Using the study modules and supporting materials, you will:

Become familiar with Project RED's processes and components.
Determine metrics for evaluating the impact of the intervention.
Learn how to implement Project RED.

Several strategies associated with successful performance improvement are included on these pages. Links to supplemental tools also are provided to help you design your project and re-design your discharge process.

Course Content

The education sessions are organized into four modules. Hospital teams should access the modules in sequential order and complete the assignments recommended at the end of each module before moving to the next module. These materials were developed by Joint Commission Resources, Inc., to support an AHRQ project that provides free technical assistance to help hospitals implement Project RED.

Module 1: Preparing to Redesign Your Discharge Program (PowerPoint® File, 3.8 MB)
Additional Materials:
   Building Your Cause and Effect Diagram
   Checklist for Post-Discharge Follow-up Phone Calls
   Defining Lean Waste and Potential Failure Modes
   Developing a High-Level Process Map and Swim-Lane Diagram
   Patient Care Plan Template
   Project Charter Template
   Project Leader Facilitation Guide
Module 2: The Re-Designed Discharge Process: Patient Admission and Care and Treatment Education (PowerPoint® File, 2.2 MB)
Additional Materials:
   Discharge Advocate's Data Collection Tool
   Project RED Metrics
   Questions for Patients in Targeted Population
   Questions for Primary Care Physicians Regarding Hospital Discharge Program
   Questions for Staff on Discharge Planning
Module 3: The Re-Designed Discharge Process: Patient Discharge and Follow-up Care (PowerPoint® File, 1.7 MB)
Additional Materials:
   Project RED Metrics
   Sample Script for Follow-up Phone Call
Module 4: Re-Engineering Patient Discharge: The Hospital Launch (PowerPoint® File, 1.4 MB)
Additional Materials:
   Building Your Cause and Effect Diagram
   Celebrate Team Success
   Defining Lean Waste and Potential Failure Modes
   Developing a High-Level Process Map and Swim-Lane Diagram
   Outline for Project Presentation
   Project RED Metrics
   Questions for Patients in Targeted Population
   Questions for Primary Care Physicians Regarding Hospital Discharge Program
   Questions for Staff on Discharge Planning
Supplemental Materials:
Selected References
Staff Training Slides for Sites (PowerPoint® File, 1.4 MB)

Return to Contents

Page last reviewed November 2014

Internet Citation: Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) Training Program. November 2014. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://archive.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/red/index.html