Readmission Predictors in Patients With Type II Diabetes

Abstract

In patients with type II diabetes, hospital readmissions occur frequently and contribute significantly to morbidity. Limited research has predicted the factors that contribute to preventable readmission. This study identified the predictors of 30-day hospital readmission in patients with type II diabetes. This single-site 400 patients study examined effects of comorbidities, race, endocrinology consultation, diabetes self-management education, and diabetes medications on 30-day hospital readmissions. Patients with more comorbidities, who were Hispanics, and those who received an endocrinology consultation were more likely to be readmitted. Patients who received diabetes self-management education or were prescribed both oral and insulin medications were less likely to be readmitted. Findings identified the factors related to 30-day readmission in patients with diabetes, emphasizing the need for diabetes self-management education. Understanding why patients are readmitted within 30 days of initial admission will empower nurses to create targeted plans to improve nursing care quality and prevent readmission.