The Aftermath: Investigating Readmission And Mortality Trends In Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute hospital readmissions have significant implications for both the patient and the health service. Research has shown that up to 70 percent of hospital readmissions may be avoidable, while patients who are readmitted to hospital have a higher in-hospital mortality risk. The Health Service Executive has set a Key Performance Indicator of a readmission rate within 30 days of less than 11.1 percent. The purpose of this study is to identify the number of patients aged 75 years and older readmitted to a busy model four hospital within 30 days of their discharge. It will also quantify the number of deaths within this patient group. We aim to identify key areas where pathways for older adults could be developed to improve quality of care and reduce the overall burden on both the patient and acute hospital service. Methods Data was collected retrospectively for patients admitted between September 1st, 2023, and September 30th, 2023. Results In total 272 patients aged 75 years and older were admitted within a one-month period. 47 patients were admitted under the geriatric medicine service. The mean length of stay for all patients was 12.41 days. 160 patients were discharged directly home while 27 were discharged to long term care. The remaining patients were discharged to rehab, convalescence or hospice. 28 patients died during their inpatient stay. 6 patients died within one month of discharge. In total 13 patients were readmitted to hospital within one month following their discharge. 23 percent of patients died following readmission. The most common reason for readmission was a respiratory illness. Conclusion 4.7 percent of patients aged 75 years and older were readmitted to hospital within one month of discharge. This falls below the national target set by the HSE. However, there was a high mortality rate amongst those readmitted to hospital.