The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) launched Project BOOST, to improve transitions out of the hospital utilizing a team approach to risk assess patients on admission, and plan and execute risk specific discharge planning activities.  The project is supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and informed by a national advisory board representing nationally recognized leaders in care transitions, providers, payors and regulatory agencies.  The project is comprised of 3 major elements:

1)    Development of a discharge planning toolkit

• The toolkit includes evidence and expert based interventions for risk assessment, discharge education utilizing teach-back processes, and guidance for determining the need, timing and content of follow-up communications with receiving MDs and patients and families. 
• The toolkit provides practical resources such as clinical tools, a step wise guide to plan, implement, evaluate and manage the intervention, staff training materials, patient education materials, and a review of key literature.

2)    Training and technical support for sites implementing the toolkit

• Year Long Mentoring Program
  • Six pilot sites will be enrolled July 2008.
  • Open enrollment will begin October 2008.
  • Applicants will be required to complete an online needs/resource assessment  and submit a letter of support from a senior administrator (e.g. CMO, CNO)
  • Mentoring program includes:
    • Day long training session for the improvement team
    • Regular calls between team leaders and mentor(s)
    • Individualized support using the BOOST toolkit for improvement
• Day-Long Pre-Courses at 2008, 2009 SHM Annual Meetings
• Regional expert training sessions (locations vary)
• Online Care Transitions Resource Room  containing the toolkit, Implementation Guide, and access to online discussion forums with leading experts.

3)    Advocacy at the national level to make system changes that support safe transition practices. 

 QI Theory
 Care Transitions Implementation Guide
Project BOOST

 Hospitalist as Teacher
  •  Didactic Sessions
  •  Bedside Teaching
  •  Patient Education

 Professional Development
  •  Core Competencies