Braden scale for pressure ulcer risk predicts rehabilitation placement after pancreatic resection

Patients undergoing pancreatic resection frequently require rehabilitation facilities after hospital discharge. We evaluated the predictive role of validated markers of frailty on rehabilitation facility placement to identify patients who may require this service.

Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent pancreatic resection from 2010 to 2015. 90-day morbidity and mortality were calculated. Postoperative validated markers of frailty (Activities of Daily Living scale, Braden scale [assesses pressure ulcer risk, lower scores = higher risk] and Morse fall scale) were evaluated via multivariate regression to identify predictors of discharge to rehabilitation facility.

470 patients with complete data were included. Mean age was 62 and 49.2% were male. Postoperative median length of stay (LOS) was 8 (IQR 7-10). 92 (19.66%) patients were discharged to rehabilitation facilities and 138 (29.49%) patients were readmitted within 90 days. On multivariate analysis, age, sex, LOS > 8 days, inpatient Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and initial Braden scale were predictive of rehabilitation placement.

A marker of frailty routinely collected daily by nursing staff, the Braden scale, is available to help surgeons predict the need for postoperative rehabilitation placement after pancreatic resection. Engaging discharge planning services for at-risk patients may help prevent delayed hospital discharge and should be further evaluated.