Which metrics would best demonstrate the impact of a care coordinator on discharge outcomes?

• A. Nurse job satisfaction scores.
• B. Average coffee breaks per nurse.
• C. Readmissions within 30 days, length of stay, and timely follow-up appointments.
• D. Number of patient admissions.

Answer: (C)

To assess the impact of a care coordinator on discharge outcomes, focus on metrics that reflect what happens after a patient leaves the hospital. Readmissions within 30 days, length of stay, and timely follow-up appointments together show how well the discharge plan translates into safe, continuous care in the community. A 30-day readmission rate directly indicates the effectiveness of discharge planning, medication reconciliation, patient education, and post-discharge support. Length of stay speaks to how efficiently barriers to a safe discharge are addressed and whether coordinated planning helps move patients out when appropriate. Timely follow-up appointments demonstrate that outpatient care is arranged promptly, supporting ongoing monitoring and early management of any issues. Put together, these metrics reveal how effectively a care coordinator bridges hospital care with post-acute or home care. Metrics like nurse job satisfaction, breaks, or total admissions don’t directly measure discharge outcomes, so they don’t reflect the coordinator’s impact on transitions of care.