The Reducing Avoidable Readmissions Effectively (RARE) Campaign is a prime example of ICSI’s commitment to achieve the Triple Aim of improving the health of the population, the patient experience, including quality, and the affordability of care.

ICSI, the Minnesota Hospital Association and Stratis Health united as Operating Partners in the spring of 2011 to launch the RARE Campaign, a statewide effort to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions. The Minnesota Medical Association, MN Community Measurement and VHA Upper Midwest offer support and resources as Supporting Partners. In addition, more than 90 Community Partners have officially endorsed the campaign, including long-term care facilities, home care service providers, health plans and professional associations.

“The RARE campaign has helped us elevate the issue of readmissions and gives ongoing support to our efforts to find an interdisciplinary collaborative solution.”
Ginny Adams, RN, BSN, MPH, Vice President of Performance Excellence, Lake Region Healthcare

The Campaign will run through the end of 2013. For detailed information about the RARE Campaign, including participants, goal progress, resources, tools, upcoming events and educational offerings, visit the RARE Campaign website.

The Campaign's goals support the Triple Aim

Improve Population Health

• Prevent 6,000 avoidable readmissions within 30 days of discharge by December 31, 2013.

Improve the Experience of Care

• Recapture 24,000 nights of patients’ sleep in their own beds
• Improve by 5 percent on HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems) survey questions related to hospital discharge

Improve the Affordability of Care

• Reduce inpatient hospital expenditures by more than $50 million

The campaign calls on hospitals and others in the care continuum to focus on key areas known to improve care transitions. RARE Operating Partners are currently working with more than 80 hospitals participating in the campaign.