readmission

Readmission is the act of a patient returning to a hospital within a defined period after discharge, most often within 30 days, though timeframes can vary by study or policy. Readmissions can be all-cause (for any reason) or condition-specific (related to the initial illness) and are used as indicators of care quality, transitions of care, and post-discharge support. A higher readmission rate is generally associated with increased costs and burden for patients and health systems.

Measurement and analysis: The 30-day readmission rate is typically calculated as the proportion of index discharges followed by a readmission within 30 days, with risk adjustment for factors such as age, comorbidities, and social determinants to enable fair comparisons across hospitals or regions.

Determinants: Readmissions result from a combination of clinical factors (complications, infections, inadequate symptom management), patient factors (comorbidities, functional status, health literacy, adherence), and health-system factors (discharge planning quality, access to timely follow-up care, and coordination of care). Social determinants such as housing, transportation, and social support also play a significant role.

Prevention: Effective discharge planning, timely post-discharge follow-up, medication reconciliation, patient and caregiver education, and robust care coordination across providers are central strategies. Additional supports may include home health services, community resources, and addressing social needs that impede recovery.

Policy implications: Some health systems implement penalties or incentives tied to readmission performance, while others emphasize reporting and quality improvement initiatives. Critics note that not all readmissions are preventable and that risk and social context can influence observed rates.

See also: hospital readmission reduction program, transitional care.