Readmission rates and related factors of chronic respiratory patients

Abstract

Background: Readmission rates are used as indicators of quality of care for health care organizations in general and specific patient populations. Identifying predictors of readmission in respiratory patients can be used to improve patient management and in particular discharge planning as these patients may often require complex care following discharge. Some factors noted in the literature include low body mass index, poor financial status, use of long term oxygen therapy, admissions in the year prior to hospitalization, and lack of education provided to patient-family, among others.Purpose: To determine readmission rates of patients admitted to the Respiratory Care Unit of the American University of Beirut Medical Center over a three-year period and examine predictors of readmissions. The aim is to provide the baseline data needed to evaluate the impact of a culturally sensitive discharge program on patient outcomes.Methods: A retrospective descriptive design was used to collect data from the medical records of patients admitted between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009.Results: The medical records of 100 patients were reviewed. The mean length of stay was 21.54 days + 34.35. The readmission rate per year was 36.92percent and emergency room visits were 23.07percent.The main causes of readmission were respiratory failure and pneumonia. The predictors of readmission were history of cancer, the presence of a jejunostomy tube and prescription of diuretics at discharge. The frequency of readmission was predicted by history of cerebrovascular accident, history of cancer and number of comorbidities.Recommendations: The findings suggest the need for an individualized comprehensive educational discharge program for patients and families.