Hospital and Patient Level Predictors for 90-d Readmission Following Burn Injury

Area of Science:

• Burn Injury Research
• Health Services Research
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Predictors for hospital readmission following burn injury are not well-defined.
• Previous studies have focused on limited patient groups or short timeframes (e.g., 30 days).
• This study addresses the need for comprehensive data on 90-day readmission predictors in the US adult population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key predictors of all-cause, 90-day hospital readmission after burn injury.
• To analyze patient demographics, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and hospital characteristics associated with readmission.
• To inform clinical decision-making for reducing unplanned readmissions.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort study using the 2017-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database.
• Inclusion criteria: adults (≥18 years) admitted with burn injury.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis of patient and hospital factors to predict 90-day readmission.

Main Results:

• 153,760 burn injury patients identified; 20.8% experienced 90-day readmission.
• Increased age, comorbidities, and lower socioeconomic status were significant predictors of readmission.
• Hospitals with private investor ownership and smaller bed sizes showed higher readmission rates.

Conclusions:

• Identifying 90-day readmission predictors is crucial for improving care after burn injury.
• Individualized patient care strategies can be developed based on identified risk factors.
• Minimizing unplanned readmissions can lead to better patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.