The Reducing REVISITS Study: A Cluster RCT

The COPD programs will be implemented via mentored support in collaboration with the SHM Center for Quality Improvement. Up to twenty-four hospitals will be randomized to one of four dyads: 1) in-person intervention delivery with virtual mentoring; 2) 1) in-person intervention delivery with virtual mentoring and co-design; 3) virtual intervention delivery with virtual mentoring; or 4) virtual intervention delivery with virtual mentoring with co-design. The research will use a pragmatic type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized trial such that once the hospital is randomized, the assigned program delivery (virtual vs. in-person) will be implemented via their assigned mentoring approach (virtual mentoring with/without co-desig) using quality improvement efforts. Each hospital will work with their mentors to implement their COPD care transition program (bundle of 2-3 interventions) based on their site-specific implementation plan developed in Aim 1 (already approved under this IRB number) according to their assigned delivery (in-person vs. virtual) over a one-year period; half of sites will also receive co-design support.

The mentored implementation model (MIM) is an evidence-based strategy to promote the success and sustainability of hospital-based quality improvement (QI) initiatives. After completing the contextual assessments and pre-implementation planning in Aim 1, the investigators will collaborate with the SHM to harness their expertise with the MIM to implement the COPD Program over a one-year period during Aim 2 (implementation). Virtual Mentored Implementation involves implementing their assigned care transition program intervention delivery method using an innovative virtual mentored implementation approach using tele-conferencing technology (i.e., video-conferences) for two-way visualization of individuals in different locations for educational purposes. In our proposal, the virtual site visits (≥1) and monthly mentoring sessions will use tele-conferencing so both the site-leads and mentor can visualize each other and the mentor can visualize and observe the site's additional team members, administrators, clinical and administrative space, data collection tools and technology, and any other resources and facilities that will allow the mentor to advise on optimal approaches for program implementation. Monthly mentoring sessions will occur using similar virtual teleconferencing technology to maximize mentors' input. Half of sites will also be randomized to co-design support with our study partner Onda Collective; the other half will only receive the virtual mentored support.

The sustainability of intervention and implementation outcomes will be evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24-months post-implementation. Mechanisms, moderators, and mediators will identify aspects of successful implementation, and program costs and savings will be analyzed across sites. These data will inform a dissemination strategy (e.g., toolkit) and will inform future large-scale implementation and cost-effectiveness studies. Site Leads will submit quarterly reports via REDCap and will be de-identified.

Qualitative contextual analyses across stakeholders (patients, clinicians, administrators) will assess for mediators, moderators, and mechanism of change using CFIR rating rules to determine valence (positive or negative influence on implementation and strength [influence on implementation weak or strong]). The investigators will use the CFIR matrix to compare within and across the up to 24 hospitals across each time point including baseline data collected in this context assessment, throughout relevant implementation time points, and post-implementation time points. To analyze the aggregate data, the investigators will use consensus-based coding: our team analysts will determine a summary rating using all of the individual, supporting qualitative, and rationale data into consideration and will discuss until the investigators reach consensus. Program costs/savings: The investigators will assess the value of implementation from the hospital's perspective, consistent with the study's focus on hospital-level implementation using implementation science economic evaluation principles to evaluate both the comparative program intervention and implementation costs. Principles of "cost of care" measures include actual costs (not billed costs), time-driven activity-based costing, and actual use of resources (actual time per patient, capacity cost, supporting costs), measured around the patient; implementation costs include: 1) startup costs: mentor training and education materials; 2) personnel costs (clinician/staff time); 3) supplies and space costs. The investigators will use monthly log sheets to collect the staff time and use self-administered tool to estimate startup costs. To calculate the costs of staff time, the investigators will determine an hourly wage on the basis of annual salaries and a 40-hour work week. All costs will be itemized and summarized annually with descriptive statistics including mean, SD, median, and interquartile range. To assess potential savings, value may be assessed differently depending on the sites' payment models. For instance, at sites that primarily or solely deliver care in fee-for-service payment models, reducing revisits may improve the quality of care, but not their financial bottom line, unless they significantly reduce their penalties under Medicare's HRRP. On the other hand, hospitals enrolled in value-based contracts, such as accountable care organizations and/or BPCI programs, may find that they are able to demonstrate improved savings or relative cost-savings by implementing programs. To determine overall value, the investigators will estimate site-specific 'savings' through estimated decreased Medicare penalties for excessive 30-day readmissions or by remaining under target for value-based purchasing contracts.