[Hospital readmissions: current problems and perspectives]

Health systems in developed countries are facing the challenge of hospital readmissions, part of which can be considered avoidable. The transition between hospital stay and ambulatory care is a sensitive period in terms of continuity of care and patient safety, and its failure could lead to increased readmissions rate. Various measures have been proposed to reduce the risks associated with this transition, and the combination of various interventions undertaken at all stages of the care process, could reduce readmission rates. A multidisciplinary approach, widely involving all health care providers, both at the hospital and outpatient level, seems to be the key factor to success.