[An increasing number of readmissions to medical departments]

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the frequency of readmissions to medical departments during the period 1981.04.01-1982.03.31 compared to the period 1985.04.01-1986.03.31. Data were taken from the National Registry of Patients (Landspatientregistret) regarding admissions/readmissions of citizens of the Municipality of Copenhagen to medical departments in Greater Copenhagen. Only readmissions within 90 days of the most recent discharge were included. The total number of admissions rose by 12%, with a much greater increase in the number of sequential admissions (i.e. admissions as part of a sequence of admissions) than in the number of single admissions. The total number of bed days fell by 4%; this covers a decrease of 10% for single admissions and an increase of 6% for sequential admissions. The average length of stay for all types of admissions taken together fell by 13%. The number of patients with at least one admission increased by 19%, and their average number of sequential admissions rose by 4% per person. However, the average total number of bed days for sequential admissions of these patients fell by 10% per person. It is not clear which has the better influence on the quality of life of the patients: several readmissions or fewer admissions, each of longer duration. Additional investigations are necessary in order to analyse causes of readmission and to identify groups of patients with increased risks of being readmitted.