Readmission after seizure discharge in a nationally representative sample

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Seizure-related hospitalizations represent a significant healthcare burden.
• Understanding 30-day readmission rates is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the 30-day readmission rate after seizure-related discharge.
• To identify patient, clinical, and hospital factors associated with readmission.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database.
• Analysis of adults discharged after nonelective hospitalization for epilepsy or seizure.
• Logistic regression models to quantify readmission risk factors.

Main Results:

• The 30-day readmission rate was 10.8% (15,094 of 139,800 admissions).
• Factors associated with readmission included high comorbidity burden (Elixhauser score >4: AOR 2.28), public insurance (Medicare/Medicaid: AOR 1.39), adverse events (AOR 1.17), and nonroutine discharge (AOR 1.32).
• The most common readmission reason was epilepsy or convulsion (17%).

Conclusions:

• Patients hospitalized with seizures experience high readmission rates.
• Inpatient adverse events and comorbidities are significant predictors of readmission.
• A portion of these readmissions may be preventable by addressing modifiable care process factors.