Risk factors for 30-day readmission in general medical patients admitted from the emergency department: A single centre study
Journal
Internal Medicine Journal
Journal Volume
42
Journal Issue
6
Pages
677-682
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Overcrowding in emergency departments (ED) around the world is an increasingly serious problem with an adverse impact on both patient flow and patient outcomes. A significant contributing factor to ED overcrowding is possibly due to readmission. Risk factors for readmission in patients admitted from ED are rarely studied, particularly in Asian countries where the length of stay is reportedly longer. Methods: A retrospective study of patients admitted to general medical wards from the ED of a referral centre in northern Taiwan from November 2009 to April 2010 was conducted. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission and clinical characteristics were analysed for predictors of readmission. Results: Of the recruited 2698 patients, 451 (16.7%) were readmitted within 30days after discharge. Age, gender, marital status and the activities of daily living (Barthel's score) were not associated with 30-day readmission. Higher Charlson score ((score 2-4) hazard ratio (HR): 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.89; (score >4) HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.37-2.73), longer hospital stay ((8-14days) HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.17-1.95; (15-28days) HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.22-2.19; (>28days) HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.43-2.71), and presence of underlying active malignancy (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.27-2.16) and anaemia (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.55) were independently associated with readmission. Conclusion: Medical patients admitted from the ED of a referral centre have a 30-day readmission rate of 16.7%. Post-discharge care should focus on patients with higher Charlson score, longer hospitalisation, anaemia and underlying active malignancy, which are independent predictive factors for 30-day readmission. ? 2011 The Authors. Internal Medicine Journal ? 2011 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; anemia; article; daily life activity; emergency ward; female; hospital discharge; hospital readmission; human; length of stay; major clinical study; male; marriage; neoplasm; predictor variable; priority journal; retrospective study; risk factor; Taiwan; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Length of Stay; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Patient Readmission; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Taiwan
Type
journal article