Impact of Designated Recovery Rehabilitation Institutions on the Readmission Rate of Older Adults

Background/Objectives: With the global rise in chronic diseases among older adults, rehabilitation services have become essential, particularly for those with cerebrovascular and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which lead to significant long-term disabilities. To determine the impact of designated rehabilitation medical institutions on the readmission rates of older patients with CNS disorders who receive surgical interventions. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study. Data was obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database (2002-2019). Fifteen designated institutions participated in the pilot project for convalescent rehabilitation. We analyzed the data of 1019 patients before and after the implementation of the designated rehabilitation institution. The study sample included (1) patients admitted to 15 designated institutions participating in the pilot project for convalescent rehabilitation and (2) patients diagnosed with conditions classified under the rehabilitation patient group, Rehabilitation Impairment Category 1 to 7. The intervention was the pilot project for designated rehabilitation institutions, launched in October 2017. The primary outcome of interest was the readmission rate of older patients with CNS disorders who received surgical interventions. Interrupted time series analysis with segmented regression was used to assess changes in the 30-day readmission rates. Results: Post-intervention, an 8% reduction in 30-day readmission rates (estimate, 0.9225; 95% confidence interval: 0.9129-0.9322, p < 0.0001) was observed. Subgroup analysis showed a significant decline in readmission rates across various patient groups, including those with disabilities, high Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, and extended hospital stays. The regions outside Seoul (capital city), particularly Gyeonggi/Incheon (areas around Seoul) and other areas (i.e., rural), also showed a significant decrease in readmission trends after the intervention. Conclusions: Designated rehabilitation medical institutions led to a significant reduction in readmission rates of older patients with CNS disorders, suggesting that these institutions effectively support recovery and reduce the burden of readmission for patients with severe conditions and those residing in non-capital cities.