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Unplanned readmissions of elderly patients
Health Bulletin
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Unplanned readmissions in geriatric medicine were studied in Aberdeen. Most readmissions were unavoidable medical relapses, highlighting the need for better pre-discharge assessments.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Unplanned hospital readmissions are a significant concern in geriatric care.
- Assessing the avoidability of readmissions is crucial for improving patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of unplanned readmissions in Geriatric Medicine in Aberdeen.
- To analyze the nature of these readmissions and identify avoidable factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients discharged from Geriatric Medicine wards in Aberdeen.
- Identification of unplanned readmissions within 28 days.
- Investigation of readmission causes via medical records and consultant/GP questionnaires.
Main Results:
- A 15.3% unplanned readmission rate was observed (109 of 713 discharges).
- The majority of readmissions (87%) were due to medical relapse, with 13% being social.
- 16 out of 34 potentially avoidable readmissions were confirmed, with pre-discharge assessment of home circumstances identified as a key area for improvement.
Conclusions:
- Most unplanned geriatric readmissions are unavoidable medical relapses.
- Unplanned readmission rates alone are an unsatisfactory measure of in-patient care quality.
- Improved pre-discharge assessment of social circumstances is recommended to reduce avoidable readmissions.