Pediatric Epilepsy Readmissions: The Who, When, and Why
Marissa Vawter-Lee1, Alexandria Lutley2, Sharon W Lake3
1Division of Child Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pediatric Neurology
|February 2, 2019
Summary
Pediatric epilepsy readmissions occur at an 8.0% rate, with 21.5% deemed preventable, often due to discharge plan or medication issues within seven days of initial hospital release.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Hospital Readmission Studies
Background:
- Previous research indicated a 6-10% pediatric epilepsy readmission rate.
- Detailed characteristics of readmitted pediatric epilepsy patients were previously undescribed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pediatric patients readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge for epilepsy.
- To identify factors contributing to 30-day readmissions in pediatric epilepsy cases.
Main Methods:
- An interdisciplinary team reviewed 30-day readmissions for pediatric epilepsy patients from May 2014 to October 2016.
- The team included neuroscience nurses, care managers, a quality outcomes manager, and child neurology physicians.
Main Results:
- The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 8.0% (219 readmissions from 169 patients).
- 21.5% of readmissions were scheduled, 37% for chronic epilepsy progression, 9.6% for new epilepsy diagnoses, and 14.6% for unrelated issues.
- 21.5% of readmissions were classified as preventable, with most occurring within seven days of discharge, often due to discharge plan or medication management issues.
Conclusions:
- 21.5% of pediatric epilepsy readmissions were preventable, with a majority occurring within one week of initial discharge.
- Addressing discharge care plans and medication management is crucial for reducing preventable pediatric epilepsy readmissions.
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