Analysis of factors predicting early unplanned readmissions

OBJECTIVES: to determine factors associated with preventable readmissions for identification of patients at risk of rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge. DESIGN: retrospective analysis using administrative data related to Frosinone (Lazio Region, Central Italy) hospital discharges records (SDO) during 2013. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 3,900 people recovered in Hospital "F. Spaziani" in Frosinone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: a multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic multivariable regression model to identify risk factors associated with early unplanned readmissions. RESULTS: 3,900 patients were included in the analysis, 12.8% of whom had a readmission within one month after a previous discharge for the same major diagnostic category (MDC). Significant differences were found among patients readmitted and patients not readmitted according to age, length of stay, education, occupation, and diagnosis. Living alone, being a housewife or retiree, and a longer stay in hospital have been found to be positively associated with the likelihood of readmission. Patients with neurological, respiratory, and kidney diseases show a significant increase in the likelihood of readmission. CONCLUSION: several demographic characteristics and diagnosis in hospitalised patients are associated with the risk of rehospitalisation within 30 days of discharge. Data available in the archive of the SDO can be used for identification of patients at risk on which specific plans discharge should be defined.