Improving care transitions most directly reduces which of the following outcomes?

• A. Length of stay.
• B. Readmissions.
• C. Medication costs.
• D. Patient satisfaction.

Answer: (B)

Improving care transitions focuses on keeping care coordinated as patients move from hospital to home or another setting, with clear medications, timely follow-up, and coordinated plans. This directly reduces readmissions because many readmissions occur when discharge gaps, medication mismatches, or lack of post-discharge support lead to complications or worsening symptoms. While better transitions can also influence patient experience and may affect length of stay or costs in some situations, the most direct and reliably targeted outcome is a decrease in readmissions.