Partnerships with harm reduction centers cut hospital readmissions

Harm reduction centers that distribute needles and condoms in at-risk communities can help hospitals deliver person-centered care to vulnerable patient populations and ultimately reduce readmissions, according to a new report.

Partnerships with these centers are a logical way for hospitals to improve care-coordination efforts, according to the report from the New York Academy of Medicine, "The Integration of Harm Reduction and Healthcare: Implications and Lessons for Healthcare Reform."

Such partnerships are able to "coordinate complementary services and improve access for people with the greatest need for comprehensive care," the report noted. These arrangements can take various forms, including:

• Teaching hospitals establishing part-time clinic hours at harm reduction centers
• Larger healthcare organizations coordinating and co-locating clinical and harm reduction services
• Hospitals placing clinical and pharmacy services at a harm reduction center

A case study accompanying the main report looked at how BOOM!Health in New York City combined harm reduction services with on-site primary care, mental health services, drug-addiction treatment and pharmacy services, as well as food and nutrition counseling and legal aid services.