Across the United States, reducing readmissions has been a concern of most hospitals, some of which have been at risk for having a higher than expected, 30-day readmission ratio for a particular physical health condition. A recent review conducted by Ms. Ivy Benjenk and Prof. Jie Chen from School of Public Health, University of Maryland has shown that care coordination between hospital and community after the discharge, which includes mental health therapy and community mental health services and educations, can significantly reduce the 30-day readmission rate. An integrated mental health care system, therefore, is necessary to promote care coordination and improve population health. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy (JHMHP) is pleased to interview Prof. Chen in regard to this recent work and her research in health care delivery system and policy.
