Sepsis Survivors Transitioned to Home Health Care: Characteristics and Early Readmission Risk Factors

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing numbers of sepsis survivors are receiving home healthcare (HHC).
• Understanding the characteristics of these patients and their readmission risks is crucial for effective care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To profile sepsis survivors receiving HHC based on sepsis type.
• To identify characteristics associated with 7-day hospital readmission among these patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study using Medicare administrative and claims data.
• Analysis of 165,228 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for sepsis and discharged to HHC.
• Categorization of sepsis into three types: sepsis without organ dysfunction, severe sepsis, and septic shock.

Main Results:

• The majority (80.7%) had severe sepsis; septic shock survivors (5.7%) had the highest illness burden.
• Sepsis diagnoses were often unrecorded in HHC (7%), complicating identification.
• Key risk factors for 7-day readmission included septic shock, multiple prior hospitalizations, prolonged index hospital stay, dyspnea, and functional dependencies.

Conclusions:

• Findings can identify sepsis survivors at high risk for early readmission.
• Assessment of identified risk factors can trigger timely interventions, such as enhanced post-acute care or outpatient follow-up.