Causes & risk factors for unscheduled readmissions in the paediatric ward of a major public hospital

Background & objectives: Readmissions are often considered as an indicator of poor quality of care during previous hospitalization, although many of these are unavoidable or unrelated to the past admission. The identification of high-risk cases for readmissions and appropriate interventions will help not only reduce the hospital burden but also to establish the credibility of the hospital. So this study aimed to determine the readmission percentage in the paediatric wards of a tertiary care hospital and to identify the reasons and risk factors that can help minimize preventable re-hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study from a public hospital included 563 hospitalized children, classified as first admission or readmissions. Readmissions were defined as one or more hospitalizations within preceding six months, excluding scheduled admissions for investigations or treatment. Reason-wise, the readmissions were classified into various categories, based on the opinion of three paediatricians. Results: The percentage of children getting readmitted within six, three and one month time from the index admission was 18.8, 11.1 and 6.4 per cent, respectively. Among readmissions, 61.2 per cent were disease-related, 16.5 per cent unrelated, 15.5 per cent patient-related, 3.8 per cent medication/procedure-related and 2.9 per cent physician-related causes. Patient- and physician-related causes were deemed preventable, contributing to 18.4 per cent. The proximity of residence, undernutrition, poor education of the caretaker and non-infectious diseases were associated with increased risk of readmission. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that readmissions pose a substantial burden on the hospital services. The primary disease process and certain sociodemographic factors are the major determinants for the increased risk of readmissions among paediatric patients.

Association of opioid use disorder with outcomes of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction in the United States

Abstract Objective While Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has been linked to inferior clinical outcomes, studies examining the clinical outcomes and readmission of OUD patients experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) remain lacking. The authors analyze the clinical and financial outcomes of OUD in a contemporary cohort of AMI hospitalizations. Methods All non-elective adult (≥ 18 years) hospitalizations for AMI were tabulated from the 2016‒2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database using relevant International Classification of Disease codes. Patients were grouped into OUD and non-OUD cohorts. Bivariate and regression analyses were performed to identify the independent association of OUD with outcomes after non-elective admission for AMI, as well as subsequent readmission. Results Of an estimated 3,318,257 hospitalizations for AMI meeting study criteria, 36,057 (1.1%) had a concomitant diagnosis of OUD. While OUD was not significantly associated with mortality, OUD patients experienced superior cardiovascular outcomes compared to non-OUD. However, OUD was linked to increased odds of non-cardiovascular complications, length of stay, costs, non-home discharge, and 30-day non-elective readmission. Conclusions Patients with OUD presented with AMI at a significantly younger age than non-OUD. While OUD appears to have a cardioprotective effect, it is associated with several markers of increased resource use, including readmission. The present findings underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to increasing social services and treatment for OUD at index hospitalization.

Profile of dermatology inpatients and admissions over a four year period in a tertiary level government teaching hospital in North India

Background: Although dermatology is mostly an outpatient specialty, some patients with severe skin disease need hospital admission for management. There is a paucity of data regarding the profile of these dermatology in-patient admissions. Aims: We studied the profile of patients admitted to the dermatology ward of our tertiary care government hospital in North India. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of discharge sheets of patients admitted in the dermatology ward from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. Results: Discharge sheets of 2032 admissions for 1664 patients were analyzed. The most common diagnoses in the admitted patients were immunobullous disorders (576, 28%), connective tissue diseases (409, 20%), infections, including leprosy and sexually transmitted infections (179, 8.8%), psoriasis (153, 7.5%) and reactive arthritis (92, 4.5%). The mean duration of admission was 13.95±11.67 days (range 1-118 days). Two hundred and fifty-six patients (15.38%) were re-admitted, accounting for 368 (18.11%) re-admissions. Patients with immunobullous disorders (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.28) and psoriasis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.55) were more likely to be re-admitted. Adult patients, those who were admitted for more than four weeks, those who had comorbidities, and those who developed a complication during the hospital stay also had a greater likelihood of being re-admitted. Limitations: The retrospective design of the study, and the non-availability of data regarding transfers to other specialties or intensive care units and deaths were the main limitations of this study. Conclusion: This study describes the profile of patients admitted in a dermatology ward of a tertiary care centre center in North India. The patient profile and admission characteristics associated with a higher probability of re-admission were identified.

Profile of Back-Referrals to Special Newborn Care Units

Objective: To study the outcomes of neonates back-referred from a tertiary care centre to special newborn care units (SNCUs) for step-down care. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care neonatal unit and SNCUs in neighbouring states. We studied preterm and term neonates back-referred to district SNCUs from September, 2018 to April, 2019. The infants were followed up till 3 months corrected age, for mortality, re-hospitalization, emergency visits and unscheduled outpatient visits. Preterm inborn neonates <32 weeks gestation discharged directly to home formed the controls. Results: 201 back-referred neonates (study cohort) and 55 preterm neonates discharged to home (controls) were followed up till 3 months corrected age. Amongst the back-referred neonates, 5% died, 7% required re-hospitalization, 11% made emergency visits, and 24% made unscheduled outpatient visits. These outcomes were similar to the controls. Conclusion: Back-referral of convalescing neonates is a safe method of utilizing the limited healthcare resources in tertiary care centers in developing country settings.

Hospital de día en la unidad de insuficiencia cardíaca como una estrategia de abordaje integral: análisis de un único centro en América Latina / Heart Failure Day Hospital as a Comprehensive Approach Strategy in the Heart Failure Unit: Analysis of a Single Center in Latin America

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas, el impacto en la calidad de vida, la clase funcional (CF), el número de internaciones y la supervivencia de los pacientes que ingresaron a un hospital de día (HD) de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). Material y métodos: Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva aquellos pacientes que ingresaron a un HD para la infusión de hierro, furosemida, levosimendán o la combinación de estos dos últimos fármacos, durante un período de 3 años. Las variables analizadas, al inicio y a los 6 meses, fueron la CF (NYHA), la prueba de marcha de 6 minutos (PM6M) y calidad de vida mediante el cuestionario de Minnesota (MLHFQ). El número de internaciones por IC fue comparado con el del año previo al ingreso al HD y la supervivencia fue evaluada al año de seguimiento. Resultados: Se observó una mejoría significativa de la CF en los 4 grupos, y del número de internaciones por IC en los primeros 3. Conclusiones: El desarrollo del HD puede modificar el presente y futuro de esta población.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, impact on quality of life, functional class (FC), number of hospitalizations, and survival rate of patients with heart failure (HF) enrolled in an outpatient heart failure clinic (HFC). Methods: Patients enrolled in a HFC for infusion of iron, furosemide, levosimendan -or the combination of these two drugsover a 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline and 6-month variables were FC (NYHA), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life using the Minnesota questionnaire (MLHFQ). The number of HF hospitalizations was compared with that of the year prior to HFC enrollment, and survival was assessed at 1-year follow-up. Results: A significant improvement in FC was observed in all four groups, and a decrease of HF hospitalizations in the first three. Conclusions: Outpatient HFC development can change the present and future of this population.

Predictive modeling of 30-day readmission risk of diabetes patients by logistic regression, artificial neural network, and EasyEnsemble

Objective: To determine the most influential data features and to develop machine learning approaches that best predict hospital readmissions among patients with diabetes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we surveyed patient statistics and performed feature analysis to identify the most influential data features associated with readmissions. Classification of all-cause, 30-day readmission outcomes were modeled using logistic regression, artificial neural network, and EasyEnsemble. F1 statistic, sensitivity, and positive predictive value were used to evaluate the model performance. Results: We identified 14 most influential data features (4 numeric features and 10 categorical features) and evaluated 3 machine learning models with numerous sampling methods (oversampling, undersampling, and hybrid techniques). The deep learning model offered no improvement over traditional models (logistic regression and EasyEnsemble) for predicting readmission, whereas the other two algorithms led to much smaller differences between the training and testing datasets. Conclusions: Machine learning approaches to record electronic health data offer a promising method for improving readmission prediction in patients with diabetes. But more work is needed to construct datasets with more clinical variables beyond the standard risk factors and to fine-tune and optimize machine learning models.

Assessment of Causes of Psychiatric Readmissions in Selected In-Patient Mental Health Setup

Introduction: In current psychiatric practices there are manyopportunities to reduce readmission rates by furtherdevelopment and optimal utilization of biological andpsychosocial intervention. Therefore the researcher hasplanned to take study which will reveal causes for psychiatricpatient’s readmission and plan the intervention.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 100patients in 2 selected inpatient mental health setups of Pune.There were 30 questions with multiple choices based oncauses of psychiatric readmissions. The overall questions weredivided into various factors like family factors, physical factor,psychological factor, hospitalized and personnel factors.Descriptive and inferential statistics were planned to analyzethe data obtained through interviews.Results: The commonest personal causes for readmissionsare stoppage of medicine 56% with various reasons like sideeffects (96%), drug non compliance (72%), unnecessary stress(28%) and irregular follow up (77%). The psychological factorsresponsible for readmissions are lack of interest in friends andrelatives (75%), aggressiveness (68%), abusive and assultive(53%), irritability (58%), hallucination and wandering tendency(65%) and loss of interest in day to day activities (63%).Conclusion: The commonest causes responsible forreadmission are drug non-compliance, irregular follow up,stress, lack of insight, expressed emotions of family, burden onfamily, and commonest physical and psychological symptomssuch as headache, insomnia, lack of personal hygiene,hallucination, aggressiveness, abusive, assaultive etc.

Sex differences in 30-day readmission rates, etiology, and predictors after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background The aim of this study is to analyze sex-specific readmission rates, etiology, and predictors of readmission after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Readmissions after TAVR are common, contributing to increased health care utilization and costs. Many factors have been discovered as predictors of readmission; however, sex-specific disparities in readmission rates are limited. Methods Between January 2012 and September 2015, adult patients after TAVR were identified using appropriate international classifications of diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification from the National Readmission Database. Incidence of unplanned 30-days readmission rate was the primary outcome of this study. In addition, this study includes sex-specific etiology and predictors of readmissions. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze adjusted readmission rates. Hierarchical 2-level logistic models were used to evaluate predictors of readmission. Results Readmission rate at 30 days was 17.3%, with slightly higher readmission rates in women (OR 1.09; CI: 1.01–1.19, p < 0.001) after multivariate adjusted analysis. Noncardiac causes were responsible for most readmissions in both genders. Etiologies for readmissions such as arrhythmias, pulmonary complications, and infections were slightly higher in women, whereas heart failure and bleeding complications were higher in men. History of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, prior pacemaker, and renal failure significantly strongly predicted readmissions in both genders. Conclusion Women undergoing TAVR have slightly higher 30-day all-cause readmission rates. These results indicate that women require more attention compared to men to prevent 30-day readmission. In addition, risk stratification for men and women based on predictors will help identify high-risk men and women for readmissions.

Outpatient disease management program for heart failure:: a multidisciplinary approach with an ambulatory intravenous diuretic therapy

Aims. Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common causes of hospitalization, has high mortality and represents an economic burden. The Heart Failure Disease Management Program (HFDMP) at Health Sciences North (HSN) was designed and implemented utilizing various outpatient strategies aimed to help patients avoid emergency department (ED) visits, lower HF hospitalizations, improve outcomes, decrease mortality and lower health care costs. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this program. Methods and results. 138 patients were enrolled in the HFDMP over a period of 12-months. Patient outcomes, admission, readmission and mortality rates were observed to determine the safety, efficacy and the costs associated. Of the patients treated for acute decompensated HF (ADHF) 29 patients received 79 continuous intravenous furosemide therapy (infusions). These patients were monitored for electrolyte changes, ED visits and hospitalizations to determine the safety and efficacy of the infusion clinic (IC). During the period of study NT-proBNP, eGFR and ejection fraction among other variables were analyzed. Only five readmissions within 30 days were noted over 12 months however, none of these hospitalizations was related to ADHF. The program’s mortality rate was 3%. No patient subjected to infusions required an ED visit or hospitalization. No clinical significant electrolyte changes was seen requiring hospitalization. Conclusions. The findings from our study suggests that this outpatient approach is a safe way to manage ADHF and an effective way to avoid ED visits, lower HF hospitalizations, decrease mortality, improve clinical symptoms and lower health care utilization costs.

Programa de tratamento ambulatorial para insuficiência cardíaca: uma abordagem multidisciplinar com uma terapia diurética intravenosa ambulatório Objetivos. A insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) constitui uma das maiores causas de hospitalização, apresenta uma alta taxa de mortalidade e representa um grande peso econômico para o sistema de saúde. O programa para gestão ambulatória Heart Failure Disease Management Program (HFDMP) em Health Sciences North (HSN), Sudbury, Canadá, foi estabelecido utilizando várias estratégias ambulatórias com destino a evitar a necessidade de uso de serviços de urgência (SU) e diminuir hospitalizações por episódios de insuficiência cardíaca aguda descompensada (ICAD) com o objetivo de melhorar resultados clínicos, diminuir mortalidade e baixar o custo econômico na gestão de pacientes com IC. Este estudo foi desenhado para avaliar a eficácia e segurança deste programa. Métodos e resultados. 138 pacientes entraram no programa HFDMP durante um período de 12 meses. Resultados clínicos e analíticos foram recolhidos durante este estudo, incluindo taxas de hospitalização, readmissão e mortalidade para determinar a segurança e eficácia do programa, assim como os custos associados a esta gestão. Durante o período em estudo 29 pacientes com episódios de ICAD receberam 79 infusões continuas com furosemida endovenosa em ambulatório (Infusões). Estes pacientes foram monitorizados para alterações eletrolíticas durante os procedimentos. Foi registrado a necessidade de encaminhamento para SU e hospitalizações para determinar a segurança e eficácia da clínica de infusão ambulatória. Foram analisados níveis de NT-proBNP, taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) e fração de ejeção (EF), além de outras variáveis. Apenas 5 readmissões em 30 dias ocorreram nos pacientes do HFDMP durante o estudo, contudo, nenhuma destas hospitalizações se deveram a ICAD. A taxa de mortalidade no programa foi de 3%. Nenhum paciente submetido a Infusão ambulatória por ICAD necessitou transferências para SU ou admissão hospitalar. Nenhuma alteração eletrolítica significativa foi notada ou requereu hospitalização como resultado das infusões ambulatórias. Conclusões. Este estudo sugere que a abordagem ambulatória do programa HFDMP como resposta a ICAD é segura e representa uma forma eficaz de evitar visitas ao SU, baixando hospitalizações e a mortalidade nestes pacientes enquanto melhora indicadores clínicos e baixa custos de gestão.

Reducción de prescripción inapropiada y eventos adversos a medicamentos en ancianos hospitalizados / Reduction of inappropriate prescriptions and adverse effects to medications in hospitalized elderly patients

La combinación de prescripción inapropiada de medicamentos (PIM) y prescripción apropiada omitida (PPO) en ancianos requiere intervenciones múltiples para reducir su magnitud y los subsecuentes eventos adversos. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la PIM, la PPO, y los eventos adversos a medicamentos (EAM) antes y después de la intervención de un farmacéutico clínico sobre la prescripción del médico. En un estudio de tipo pre-post, se analizó la prescripción de un total de 16 542 fármacos realizada a 1262 pacientes aplicando los criterios STOPP-START (screening tool of older people's prescriptions/screening tool to alert to right treatment). La intervención consistió en la difusión de los criterios STOPP-START en todas las áreas del hospital mediante clases y publicaciones y las sugerencias diarias del farmacéutico clínico al médico responsable sobre la prescripción a cada paciente. Antes de la intervención, la PIM fue 48.9% al ingreso y 46.1% al egreso y luego de la intervención 47.4% al ingreso y 16.7% al egreso. La PPO antes de la intervención fue 10% al ingreso y 7.6% al egreso; después de la intervención fue 12.2% al ingreso y 7.8% al egreso. El porcentaje de pacientes con EAM fue 50.9% antes de la intervención y 34.4% después. Las readmisiones a emergencias fueron 12.2% y 4.7% antes y después de la intervención. La PIM, los EAM, el error de conciliación, la interacción medicamentosa clínicamente grave y el delirio fueron reducidos significativamente. Se concluye que, coincidiendo con buena parte de la literatura internacional, la intervención obtuvo resultados positivos.

Together, potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications (PIP) and appropriate prescribing omission (APO) constitute a problem that requires multiple interventions to reduce its size and the occurrence of adverse drug events (ADE). This study aims to assess PIP, APO, ADE before and after the intervention of a clinical pharmacist over medical prescriptions for elderly hospitalized patients. In a before-after study, a total of 16 542 prescriptions for 1262 patients were analyzed applying the criteria defined in both STOPP- START (screening tool of older people's prescriptions and screening tool to alert to right treatment). The intervention consisted in lectures and publications on STOPP-START criteria made available to all the areas of the hospital and suggestions made by the clinical pharmacist to the physician on each individual prescription. Before intervention, PIM was 48.9% on admission and 46.1% at discharge, while after the intervention it was 47.4% on admission and 16.7% at discharge. APO was 10% on admission and 7.6% at discharge, while after intervention it was 12.2% on admission and 7.9% at discharge. ADE were 50.9% before and 34.4% after intervention. The frequency of return to emergency was 12.2% and 4.7% before and after intervention. PIM, EAM, conciliation error, clinically serious drug interaction, and delirium were reduced to statistically significant levels. In line with various international studies, the intervention showed to attain positive results.

Análise contextual de reinternações frequentes de portador de transtorno mental / Contextual analysis of frequent hospital readmissions of the individual with mental disorder / Análisis contextual de reingresos frecuentes del portador de trastorno mental

Este estudo analisou o contexto de reinternações frequentes de indivíduos com sofrimento psíquico em suas dimensões: imediata, específica, geral e metacontextual. Seguindo a perspectiva contextual proposta pelo referencial teórico de Hinds, Chaves e Cypress (1992), categorizaram-se os resultados encontrados na revisão narrativa da literatura científica em quatro subtemas referentes às dimensões contextuais: 1) a porta giratória da psiquiatria (nível contextual imediato); 2) desarticulação da rede de atenção em saúde mental (nível contextual específico); 3) o louco e a loucura no imaginário social: o hospital como o lugar da "cura" (nível contextual geral); 4) paradigmas da saúde mental: a dimensão epistemológica do saber/fazer psiquiátrico (metacontexto). Analisar e compreender os contextos nos quais estão inseridas as reinternações psiquiátricas torna-se, na atualidade, aspecto significativo para a efetivação dos avanços conquistados pela Reforma Psiquiátrica brasileira e pelo Sistema Único de Saúde.

This study analyzed the context of frequent hospital readmissions of individuals with psychic suffering in the following dimensions: immediate, specific, general and metacontextual. Following the contextual perspective proposed by the theoretical framework of Hinds, Chaves and Cypress (1992), the results of the narrative review of the scientific literature were categorized in four subthemes corresponding to the contextual dimensions: 1) the revolving door of psychiatry (immediate contextual level); 2) disarticulation of the mental health care network (specific contextual level); 3) the mad person and madness in the social mental imagery: the hospital as the "healing" place (general contextual level); 4) mental health paradigms: the epistemological dimension of psychiatric knowledge and action (metacontext). The analysis and comprehension of the contexts in which psychiatric hospital readmissions are included are significant so that the advances achieved by the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform and by the National Health System become effective.

Este estudio examina el contexto de los frecuentes reingresos de pacientes con trastornos psicológicos en las dimensiones: inmediatas, específicas, generales y meta-contextuales. Siguiendo la perspectiva contextual propuesta por el marco teórico de Hindes, Chaves y Cypress (1992), los resultados encontrados en la revisión narrativa de la literatura científica se clasifican en cuatro sub-temas relativos a las dimensiones contextuales: 1) la puerta giratoria de la psiquiatría (contexto inmediato); 2) desarticulación de la red de salud mental (contexto específico); 3) el loco y la locura en lo imaginario social; el hospital como un lugar de "curación" (contexto general); 4) paradigmas de salud mental: la dimensión epistemológica del saber/hacer psiquiátricos (metacontexto). Analizar y comprender los contextos donde se insertan los reingresos psiquiátricos se convierte, actualmente, en un aspecto significativo para confirmar los avances conquistados por la Reforma Psiquiátrica brasileña y el Sistema Único de Salud.

Fatores relacionados á readmissao de pacientes em serviço hospitalar de emergência / Factores relacionados a la readmisión de pacientes en el servicio hospitalario de emergencia / Factors related to patient readmissions at the emergency service

A elevada procura pelo Serviço de Emergência e conseqüente permanência dos pacientes em repetidas admissões torna-se urna situação difícil para os enfermeiros responsáveis pelo gerênciamento desses serviços. Estudo transversal e descritivo realizado no Serviço de Emergência de um hospital de ensino de atenção terciaria a saúde em São Paulo, que teve por objetivos identificar o perfil sócio-demográfiço e morbidade dos pacientes readmitidos e identificar os fatores relacionados as readmissões. A amostra foi composta por maiores de 14 anos internados no Serviço de Emergência, com mais de urna admissão nos seis meses anteriores ão dia da coleta de dados, realizada no mes de Maio de 2004. A incidência de readmissões foi 23,3 por cento, com predominio de homens (61,9 por cento), idade na faixa de 40 a 90 anos (85,9 por cento) e baixa escolaridade (57,8 por cento). A maioria dos pacientes (57,6 por cento) foi readmitida com o mesmo diagnóstiço e 23,9 por cento devido a complicações do diagnóstiço de base. Concluiu-se que a elevada incidência de readmissões pode ser atribuida a evolução da doença cróniço-degenerativa, a avançada idade dos pacientes, as complicações pós-operatórias, a não resolução do problema anterior e ão baixo seguimento das orientações recebidas. Tais achados sugerem a necessidade de investir em melhorias na qualidade do atendimento hospitalar com maior atuação do enfermeiro na assisténcia direta ão paciente nos serviços de emergência e na extensão do cuidado no domicilio.

The high demand for attendance in Emergency Department and the resultant length of stay for the patients in repeated admissions have become hard to nurses responsible for the administration of this units deal with the situation. Transversal and descriptive study made at Emergency Department of a teaching hospital in São Paulo city whose objectives were to identify the social-demographic and morbidly profile of the readmitted patients and the factors associated with readmissions. The sample was constituted by patients over fourteen years old that became inpatient at the Emergency Department, with over than one admission until six months before the data collection during May 2004. The readmission incidence was 23.3 percent, the patients were predominantly males (61.9 percent), had 40 to 90 years old (85,9 percent) and low level education (57.8 percent). Most of patients (57.6 percent) were readmitted with the same diagnosis and 23.9 percent due to complications. It was conclude that the high readmission incidence can be attributed to the evolution of the chronic disease, advanced age, surgical complications, not-resolution of the last health problem and non-adherence to the orientations. The findings suggest the need to invest on improvement of the attendance quality, with more nurse performance on direct assistance to patient on the Emergency Department, and continuity of the care at home.

La elevada demanda del Servicio de Emergencia y la consecuente permanencia de los pacientes en repetidas admisiones se convierte en una situación difícil para los enfermeros responsables de la gestión de esos servicios. Este estudio corresponde a un estudio transversal y descriptivo realizado en el Servicio de Emergencia de un hospital de enseñanza de atención terciaria en salud, en la ciudad de São Paulo, cuyo objetivo buscó identificar el perfil socio-demográfico, la morbilidad de los pacientes readmitidos e identificar los factores relacionados con las readmisiones. La muestra comprendía pacientes mayores de 14 años ingresados en el Servicio de Emergencia, con más de una admisión en los seis meses anteriores al día de la recolección de datos realizada en mayo de 2004. La incidencia de readmisiones fue del 23,3 por ciento, con predominio del sexo masculino (61,9 por ciento), edad entre 40 y 90 años (85,9 por ciento) y baja escolaridad (57,8 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes (57,6 por ciento) fue readmitida con el mismo diagnóstico, debido a complicaciones del diagnóstico de base (23,9 por ciento). Se concluyó que la elevada incidencia de readmisiones puede atribuirse a la evolución de la enfermedad crónico-degenerativa, a la avanzada edad de los pacientes, a las complicaciones post-operatorias, a no haber sido solucionado el problema anterior y al bajo cumplimiento de las orientaciones recibidas. Estos hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de invertir en mejorías en la calidad de la atención hospitalaria con mayor actuación del profesional de enfermería en la asistencia directa al paciente en los servicios de emergencia y en la extensión del cuidado en el domicilio.

Caracterização dos pacientes readmitidos em um Serviço de Emergência / Characterization of the readmitted patients on Emergency Department

A grande procura pelo Serviço de Emergência e a conseqüente permanência dos pacientes em repetidas admissões representam entraves para os enfermeiros, os quais são responsáveis pelo gerenciamento desses serviços. Objetivos: Caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes readmitidos em um Serviço de Emergência de um hospital filantrópico; identificar o perfil sócio-demográfico e de morbidade dos pacientes readmitidos; caracterizar a utilização do Serviço de Emergência e identificar os fatores relacionados às readmissões. Casuística e Método: estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório realizado em um Serviço de Emergência de um hospital filantrópico de ensino, de atenção terciária, na cidade de São Paulo. A amostra foi composta por pacientes maiores de 14 anos considerados internados no Serviço de Emergência, com mais de uma admissão, nos seis meses anteriores ao dia da coleta de dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de instrumento estruturado com questões abertas e fechadas, e as informações foram obtidas do prontuário do paciente e por entrevista direta ao paciente ou familiares, durante todo o mês de maio de 2004. Resultados: a incidência de readmissões foi de 23,3%. Houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (61,9%), idade de 40 a 90 anos (85,9%), baixa escolaridade (57,8%) e 46,7% pertenciam à área de regionalização do SUS para o serviço estudado. Quase a totalidade (92,8%) não era cadastrada no PSF, sendo que grande parte (45,4%) referiu desconhecer o programa. As principais hipóteses diagnósticas foram as doenças do aparelho circulatório (33,7%) seguidas pelas neoplasias (24,1%). A maioria dos pacientes (57,6%) foi readmitido com o mesmo diagnóstico e 23,9% devido a complicações. Na visão dos entrevistados, como fatores desencadeantes da readmissão, 40,9% referiram causas potencialmente evitáveis. A maioria dos entrevistados referiu que seu problema não foi resolvido na internação anterior, ) sendo o principal motivo a continuidade dos sintomas. Conclusões: A incidência de readmissões foi elevada, podendo ter sido ocasionada por evolução da doença crônico-degenerativa, idade avançada, baixo seguimento das orientações recebidas, complicações pós-operatórias, necessidade de cuidado domiciliar e não resolução do problema na admissão anterior

The great need for the Emergency Department and the resultant length of stay of the patients in repeated admissions become a hard situation for nurses, who are responsible for the administration on this units. Objectives: characterize the readmitted patients at the Emergency Department in a philanthropyc hospital; identify the social-demographic and morbity profile of the readmitted patients; characterize the use of the Emergency Department; identify factors associated with readmissions. Methods: transversal, descriptive and exploratory study, at the Emergency Department on a tertiary health service of a philanthropic teaching hospital in São Paulo city, the sample was made by patients over fourteen years old that became inpatient at the Emergency Department, with over than one admission until six months before the data collection day. It was used an instrument with opened and closed questions for the data collection. Data were obtained from patient records and by interview to the patient or responsible, during May 2004. Results: the readmission incidence was 23,3%. The patients were predominantly males (61,9%), age 40 to 90 years old (85,9%), low level education (57,8%); 46,7% lived at areas regarding the regionalization of the health service. Almost of all (92,8%) wasn't registered at Family Health Program, and a high proportion of patients (45,4%) were unaware of this program. The main diagnosis were circulatory disease (33,7%) followed by cancer (24,1%). Most of patients (57,6%) was readmitted with the same diagnosis and 23,9% due to complications. On the perception of 40,9% of the patients, the related factors to readmissions were classified as potentially avoidable causes. Conclusions: The readmission incidence was raised, it was can be caused by problems in adherence to treatment, gravity of chronic disease, not enough orientation, or by complications

Analysis of Risk Factors of Readmission to Hospital for Pediatric Asthma

PURPOSE: The admission rates for pediatric asthma are increasing annually and are partially responsible for the increased rates of readmission. Selections of children with a high-risk of readmission and aggressive treatments of them may improve treatment outcome and cost- effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors affecting readmission in cases of bronchial asthma in children. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 95 cases under 14 years of age who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Kyung-Hee University, from March 1996 to February 1997 and divided them into readmission and first admission group. RESULTS: Readmission cases were 52 (55%). Age, sex, duration of admission, duration of oxygen therapy, serum IgE concentration, duration of symptoms prior to admission and severity of asthma were not statistically significant compared with those of the control group (t-test) (P>0.05). Use of prophylactic agents, family history of allergic diseases and past history of bronchiolitis were significant (P0.05) as independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Age under 4 years, past history of bronchiolitis, and history of previous hospital admission for asthma were significant risk factors for hospital readmission. Further study needs to be done to decrease the readmission rates.