Incidence Of Hospital Readmission Research Articles

Second-generation MOSES 2.0 versus MOSES 1.0 pulse-modulation technologies for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

To report our initial experience with enhanced MOSES 2.0 technology in patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in comparison to those who underwent HoLEP with MOSES 1.0 technology at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent HoLEP using MOSES 1.0 or MOSES 2.0 pulse-modulation technology from December 2020 to September 2023. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters, postoperative outcomes, as well as perioperative complications were collected and analyzed. A total of 196 patients were included in the study. Among them, 146 patients underwent MOSES 1.0 HoLEP, while 50 had MOSES 2.0 HoLEP. No statistically significant differences in preoperative characteristics were observed between the two groups. The median prostate volume for the MOSES 1.0 and MOSES 2.0 HoLEP groups was 109cc and 117.5cc, respectively. Patients in the MOSES 2.0 group had a shorter median enucleation time (52.5 vs. 42.5min, p < 0.001) and hemostasis time (8 vs. 6min, p = 0.002), along with lower laser energy usage (101 vs. 86.4kJ, p = 0.012), when compared to those in the MOSES 1.0 cohort. Postoperative outcomes, including IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR, were comparable between the two groups at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperative. The incidence of hospital readmission (p = 0.42), as well as one-month postoperative urge urinary incontinence (p = 0.2) and stress urinary incontinence (p = 0.13) were also comparable between the cohorts. HoLEP with second-generation MOSES 2.0 technology is a safe and effective treatment option for BPH. It offers notable improvements, including reduced enucleation and hemostasis times, while using less energy when compared to MOSES 1.0.

Factors Associated with the Treatment Costs within the First Year after Pacemaker Implantation or Pulse Generator Replacement.

The use of artificial cardiac pacemakers has grown steadily in line with the aging population. To determine the rates of hospital readmissions and complications after pacemaker implantation or pulse generator replacement and to assess the impact of these events on annual treatment costs from the perspective of the Unified Health System (SUS). A prospective registry, with data derived from clinical practice, collected during index hospitalization and during the first 12 months after the surgical procedure. The cost of index hospitalization, the procedure, and clinical follow-up were estimated according to the values reimbursed by SUS and analyzed at the patient level. Generalized linear models were used to study factors associated with the total annual treatment cost, adopting a significance level of 5%. A total of 1,223 consecutive patients underwent initial implantation (n=634) or pulse generator replacement (n=589). Seventy episodes of complication were observed in 63 patients (5.1%). The incidence of hospital readmissions within one year was 16.4% (95% CI 13.7% - 19.6%) after initial implants and 10.6% (95% CI 8.3% - 13.4%) after generator replacements. Chronic kidney disease, history of stroke, length of hospital stays, need for postoperative intensive care, complications, and hospital readmissions showed a significant impact on the total annual treatment cost. The results confirm the influence of age, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and hospital readmissions as factors associated with increased total annual treatment cost for patients with pacemakers.

Fatores Associados aos Custos do Tratamento no Primeiro Ano após Implantes Iniciais ou Trocas de Geradores de Pulsos de Marca-passos Cardíacos

Abstract Background The use of artificial cardiac pacemakers has grown steadily in line with the aging population. Objectives To determine the rates of hospital readmissions and complications after pacemaker implantation or pulse generator replacement and to assess the impact of these events on annual treatment costs from the perspective of the Unified Health System (SUS). Methods A prospective registry, with data derived from clinical practice, collected during index hospitalization and during the first 12 months after the surgical procedure. The cost of index hospitalization, the procedure, and clinical follow-up were estimated according to the values reimbursed by SUS and analyzed at the patient level. Generalized linear models were used to study factors associated with the total annual treatment cost, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results A total of 1,223 consecutive patients underwent initial implantation (n=634) or pulse generator replacement (n=589). Seventy episodes of complication were observed in 63 patients (5.1%). The incidence of hospital readmissions within one year was 16.4% (95% CI 13.7% - 19.6%) after initial implants and 10.6% (95% CI 8.3% - 13.4%) after generator replacements. Chronic kidney disease, history of stroke, length of hospital stays, need for postoperative intensive care, complications, and hospital readmissions showed a significant impact on the total annual treatment cost. Conclusions The results confirm the influence of age, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and hospital readmissions as factors associated with increased total annual treatment cost for patients with pacemakers.

Impact of Nursing Interventions on Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care program on the incidence and rate of 28-day hospital readmissions among pulmonary TB patients. We conducted a quasi-experimental study using a historical control group. Patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB who received nursing interventions between 28th January 2021 and 31st May 2021 were categorized as an intervention group, whereas historical controls (usual care) were selected from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020. The primary outcomes were the incidence and rates of hospital readmissions within 28 days due to TB-related complications. The secondary outcome was the change in knowledge and self-care behavior scores at discharge and 28 days post-discharge. Cox models were used to assess the intervention's impact on the incidence of hospital readmission. Rates of readmission were compared by the Poisson model. Both Cox and Poisson models were adjusted for age, sex, sputum smears at diagnosis, serum albumin level, and diabetes mellitus at baseline. Among 104 pulmonary TB patients included in the analysis (68 were in a historical control group and 36 were in an intervention group), 20 patients were readmitted due to TB-related complications. We found that our nursing care program resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence (adjusted hazard ratio was 0.16 [95% CI 0.03-0.87]) and the rate of hospital readmissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.22 [95% CI 0.06-0.85]). Furthermore, nursing interventions significantly improved knowledge and self-care behavior scores with significant score retention at 28 days post-discharge. The nursing care program can significantly decrease the incidence and rate of 28-day hospital readmission and improve knowledge and self-care behavior scores in pulmonary TB patients.

Hospital Readmission Following Delivery With and Without Severe Maternal Morbidity.

Background: The relationship between severe maternal morbidity (SMM) events during inpatient delivery and subsequent hospital readmission is not well understood. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with a live inpatient delivery during 2016 recorded in MarketScan® databases for commercially insured and Medicaid populations. Live inpatient births were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnostic and procedural codes, Current Procedural Terminology, and Diagnosis-Related Group codes. The incidence of hospital readmission within 30 days following a delivery discharge, and primary discharge diagnoses, were determined by SMM status. The association with hospital readmission of SMM status, delivery type, gestation type, and maternal age was determined in multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for pregnancy-related complications and preexisting comorbidities. Results: In the Commercial population there were 1,927 hospital readmissions, for an incidence rate of 11.7 per 1,000 discharges. The readmission rate was 12 times greater for women with SMM than for women without SMM during delivery. The most frequent discharge diagnoses among women readmitted were other complications of the puerperium, endometritis, and infection of obstetric surgical wound of women without SMM during delivery. In multivariable analysis, SMM during delivery was strongly associated with readmission in the Commercial population. Results for the Medicaid population were similar. Conclusion: SMM during delivery hospitalization increased the risk of readmission more than 10 times. The most frequent discharge diagnoses following readmission included obstetric infection and endometritis in women without SMM, and eclampsia in women with SMM during delivery. Awareness of these findings could help health care providers prevent future episodes.

The performance of the Dutch Safety Management System frailty tool to predict the risk of readmission or mortality in older hospitalised cardiac patients

BackgroundEarly identification of older cardiac patients at high risk of readmission or mortality facilitates targeted deployment of preventive interventions. In the Netherlands, the frailty tool of the Dutch Safety Management System (DSMS-tool) consists of (the risk of) delirium, falling, functional impairment, and malnutrition and is currently used in all older hospitalised patients. However, its predictive performance in older cardiac patients is unknown.AimTo estimate the performance of the DSMS-tool alone and combined with other predictors in predicting hospital readmission or mortality within 6 months in acutely hospitalised older cardiac patients.MethodsAn individual patient data meta-analysis was performed on 529 acutely hospitalised cardiac patients ≥70 years from four prospective cohorts. Missing values for predictor and outcome variables were multiply imputed. We explored discrimination and calibration of: (1) the DSMS-tool alone; (2) the four components of the DSMS-tool and adding easily obtainable clinical predictors; (3) the four components of the DSMS-tool and more difficult to obtain predictors. Predictors in model 2 and 3 were selected using backward selection using a threshold of p = 0.157. We used shrunk c-statistics, calibration plots, regression slopes and Hosmer-Lemeshow p-values (PHL) to describe predictive performance in terms of discrimination and calibration.ResultsThe population mean age was 82 years, 52% were males and 51% were admitted for heart failure. DSMS-tool was positive in 45% for delirium, 41% for falling, 37% for functional impairments and 29% for malnutrition. The incidence of hospital readmission or mortality gradually increased from 37 to 60% with increasing DSMS scores. Overall, the DSMS-tool discriminated limited (c-statistic 0.61, 95% 0.56–0.66). The final model included the DSMS-tool, diagnosis at admission and Charlson Comorbidity Index and had a c-statistic of 0.69 (95% 0.63–0.73; PHL was 0.658).DiscussionThe DSMS-tool alone has limited capacity to accurately estimate the risk of readmission or mortality in hospitalised older cardiac patients. Adding disease-specific risk factor information to the DSMS-tool resulted in a moderately performing model. To optimise the early identification of older hospitalised cardiac patients at high risk, the combination of geriatric and disease-specific predictors should be further explored.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in clinical practice

‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ (ERAS) protocols are an evidence-based, multidisciplinary system for patient care that— since its emergence in 2001— has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing surgical complications, shortening length of stay (LoS), and the incidence of hospital re-admission. Unfortunately, wide spread acceptance of ERAS has been slow, as it conflicts with some traditional perioperative care practices. However, with protocol compliance &gt;70%, studies have shown significant reduction in mortality and postsurgical complications, with 30-50% reduction in LoS and approximately a 50% reduction in complications.

P3741Incidence and outcomes of delirium in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract Introduction and objective Delirium is a frequent problem in the intensive care unit (ICU), often underdiagnosed, and is associated with increased mortality. We sought to evaluate the incidence and implact on prognosis of delirium in patients admitted to ICU after transcatheter aortic valve replacemente (TAVR). Methods We included 294 patients admitted to ICU from February 2013 to December 2017 after transfemoral aortic valve implantation. Incidence of delirium was assessed using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Risk factors were evaluated, as well as overall mortality and incidence of hospital readmissions. Results The mean clinical follow-up was 526 days. Delirium was diagnosed in 60 patients (20.4%). In most cases (78.3%), it occurred in the first 24 hours after the procedure. Age, cognitive impairment and peripheral artery disease were risk factors for the development of Delirum, without finding differences by sex, cardiovascular risk factors (except dyslipidemia) or the usual treatment with benzodiazepines or neuroleptics. Severe bleeding during the procedure was also associated with a higher incidence, but no risk augmentation was seen with the use of general anaesthesia, the urgency of the procedure, use of a transient pacemaker for more than 24 hours after the intervention or the development of a peripheral vascular complication during admission (both related to patient immobility). The development of Delirium was associated with longer hospital stay (10.8 vs 7.9 days, p=0.004) and with higher mortality (38.8% vs 20.4%, p=0.007). No differences were found in hospital readmissions during follow-up (54.3% vs 48.2%, p=0.453). Conclusion Delirium is a frequent complication after TAVR. Age, cognitive impairment and peripheral arteriy disease were risk factors for its development, but no factors that determine patient immobility, use of general anesthesia or the urgency of the procedure. Delirum after TAVR is associated with longer in-hospital stay and with higher mortality.

Perioperative risk factors for hospital readmission after elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

BackgroundElective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is generally well tolerated. However, the incidence of hospital readmission after EVAR and the risk factors and reasons for it are not well studied. This study sought to determine the incidence, to characterize the indications, and to identify perioperative patient-centered risk factors for hospital readmission within 30 days after elective EVAR. MethodsAll patients who underwent EVAR electively in 2012 to 2013 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Targeted Vascular database (n = 3886). Preoperative demographics, operation-specific variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between those who were readmitted within 30 days of the index operation and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine independent predictors of hospital readmission. ResultsThe unadjusted 30-day readmission rate after EVAR was 8.2%. Of all readmissions, 55% were for reasons related to the procedure. Median time to readmission was 12 days. Significant preoperative risk factors associated with readmission were female sex, preoperative steroid use, congestive heart failure, and dialysis dependence (P < .05). Multiple postoperative medical complications were independently predictive of readmission, including myocardial infarction and deep venous thrombosis (P < .05). Surgical complications that were independently predictive of readmission were surgical site infection (odds ratio, 10.24; 95% confidence interval, 5.31-19.75; P < .01) and need for unplanned reoperation (odds ratio, 17.50; 95% confidence interval, 10.43-29.37; P < .01). Readmitted patients ultimately had significantly higher rates of 30-day mortality (3.5% vs 0.3%; P < .01). ConclusionsHospital readmissions remain a costly problem after vascular surgery and are associated with 30-day mortality after elective EVAR. Whereas female sex and certain irreversible medical comorbidities are nonmodifiable, focusing on medical optimization and identifying those perioperative variables that can affect the need for post-EVAR interventions will be an important step in decreasing hospital readmission.

Abstract TP377: Stroke Navigator Program Supports Community Reintegration and Decreases Readmissions

Background: Navigating the healthcare system is complex. We believe successful community reintegration for stroke patients requires: 1) overcoming barriers; 2) educating on disease process, risks, medications, and when to seek medical attention; 3) integrating patient support; 4) promoting rehabilitation; and 5) coordinating follow-up care. Purpose: We sought to establish the impact value of a Stroke Navigator Program (SNP) in supporting the transition from acute care through community reintegration. Measures utilized to demonstrate program efficacy included patient recall of key information, adherence to medications and appointments, and incidence of hospital readmission. Methods: SNP patients were enrolled during initial hospitalization. An assessment was performed to determine baseline knowledge in stroke etiology, symptoms, and medication use; support structures; individual goals; and readmission risk. Follow-up contacts for further assessment and evaluation of patient progress were conducted. These included access to rehabilitation services and completion of medical follow-up appointments. Contacts were planned, managed and documented using workflow management software. Results: Between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, 463 patients were enrolled. Interviews were completed with patients, spouses or significant others, family members or caregivers, and others at specific intervals after hospital discharge. A majority of respondents verbalized basic understanding of the stroke diagnosis, with similar results reported in the ability to obtain medications and with medication adherence. Assessment of initial, post-discharge comprehension demonstrated inconsistent recall of specific stroke symptoms, individual risk factors, and when to seek emergency medical assistance. The 30-day, all-cause hospital readmission rate for enrolled patients was 2.6%, compared to an overall stroke patient readmission rate of 6.3% for the period. Conclusion: Participation in the SNP correlated with fewer hospital readmissions while reinforcing and validating patient knowledge in areas that can impede successful community reintegration.

Impact of the Implementation of Project Re-Engineered Discharge for Heart Failure patients at a Veterans Affairs Hospital at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

Background: Hospitalizations due to chronic diseases such as heart failure (HF) continue to increase worldwide. Fragmentation of care while transitioning from one care setting to another is an important factor contributing to hospitalizations. Fragmented discharge tools have been implemented; however, the impact of a comprehensive interdisciplinary discharge tool has not been previously studied. Objective: The goal of this study is to assess the impact of the implementation of Project Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) on the incidence of hospital readmissions, all-cause mortality, primary care physician follow-up rate, and cost savings for patients with HF. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of patients admitted with HF exacerbation at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS). A random sample of 100 patients admitted prior to implementation of Project RED and 50 patients after Project RED intervention were included in the study. The primary end point was 30-day hospital readmission for HF exacerbation. The co-secondary end points were all-cause mortality, cost savings, and rate of primary care physician appointments scheduled as well as attended per postdischarge recommendations. Results: The 30-day hospital readmission rate was 28% in the pre-Project RED group, and it was 18% in the post-Project RED group (P = .18). The all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the post-Project RED group as compared with the pre-Project RED group (18% vs 41%, P = .04). More patients in the post-Project RED group attended an outpatient primary care appointment as recommended per postdischarge instructions (40% vs 19%, P = .006). In addition, with the decrease in hospital 30-day readmission rate in the post-Project RED group, there was a cost savings of $1453 per patient visit for HF exacerbation. Conclusions: Coordination of care using a discharge tool like Project RED should be utilized in institutions to improve patient outcomes as well as patient safety while decrease the overall health care cost.

Investigating the effect of sociodemographic factors on 30-day hospital readmission among medical patients in Toronto, Canada: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo examine the influence of patient-level sociodemographic factors on the incidence of hospital readmission within 30 days among medical patients in a large Canadian metropolitan city.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting and participantsPatients...

MortalitY in caRdIAc surgery (MYRIAD): A randomizeD controlled trial of volatile anesthetics. Rationale and design

ObjectiveThere is initial evidence that the use of volatile anesthetics can reduce the postoperative release of cardiac troponin I, the need for inotropic support, and the number of patients requiring prolonged hospitalization following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Nevertheless, small randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage. Thus, whether volatile anesthetics improve the postoperative outcome of cardiac surgical patients remains uncertain. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial appears desirable. DesignSingle blinded, international, multicenter randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. SettingTertiary and University hospitals. InterventionsPatients (n=10,600) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft will be randomized to receive either volatile anesthetic as part of the anesthetic plan, or total intravenous anesthesia. Measurements and main resultsThe primary end point of the study will be one-year mortality (any cause). Secondary endpoints will be 30-day mortality; 30-day death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (composite endpoint); cardiac mortality at 30day and at one year; incidence of hospital re-admission during the one year follow-up period and duration of intensive care unit, and hospital stay. The sample size is based on the hypothesis that volatile anesthetics will reduce 1-year unadjusted mortality from 3% to 2%, using a two-sided alpha error of 0.05, and a power of 0.9. ConclusionsThe trial will determine whether the simple intervention of adding a volatile anesthetic, an intervention that can be implemented by all anesthesiologists, can improve one-year survival in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract WP394: Needs of Stroke Survivors Post Hospital Discharge Stroke Follow-up Call

Background: This project attempts to discover the subjective response needs of 30-day post-acute stroke patients and their family members that were treated in two Northern California hospitals. The goal is to determine the functional level of the Stroke Survivor (SS) as measured by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and to identify post-discharge needs. Purpose: The objective of this project is to identify the patient’s mRS score and post-discharge needs. The study includes stroke education reinforcement, primary care physician follow-up, ancillary services follow-up, discern hospital readmissions rates, and increase patient satisfaction. Methods: A list of discharged acute ischemic stroke patients over a three month period was provided to the Stroke Nurse Champion (SNC). A stroke phone call template was created to elicit the patient’s history, diagnosis, and mRS score. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis, patients discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities, and deceased patients were excluded from the study. The SNC performed chart review to determine patient course of hospitalization and stroke care management; places follow-up phone call to patient or family member; and identify the SS needs. When needs were discovered, they were addressed using electronic in-house messaging to patient’s primary care providers and ancillary staff. Results: Of the 63 participants, nine required stroke resource follow-up. The average mRS score of 1.84 revealed the patient’s knowledge of self-management to be 100%. There were 13 cases that needed outpatient therapy and Home Health therapy with mRS &gt;2. The study outcome includes readmission rate of 0.03% (n=2) and stroke patient satisfaction &gt;12.5%. Conclusions: Based on the mRS score, the SS appropriately met the level of care including rehabilitation needs at home. Post discharge needs of SS included psychosocial support, medication modification and appropriate durable medical equipment. Overall, the SS were satisfied with their care with low incidence of hospital readmission due to their stroke education provided during their hospitalization. Further plans for each hospital facility to consider continuing this project or to change the focus to outpatient support services as well.

Predictors of Hospital Readmission After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

The study was conducted to determine the incidence rate, risk factors, and postoperative conditions associated with 30-day readmission after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A total of 3547 patients who underwent primary TSA were identified from the 2011-2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. The 30-day readmission rate was 2.9%. The only preoperative predictors of hospital readmission were American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3 or greater (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.61) and a history of cardiac disease (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.31). Of patients with any perioperative complications, 42 (34%) were readmitted, and the presence of any complication increased the risk of readmission (odds ratio, 28.95; 95% confidence interval, 18.44-45.46). Periprosthetic joint infection, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and pneumonia were significant predictors of hospital readmission after TSA (P<.0001). The incidence of hospital readmission after TSA peaked within the first 5 days after discharge, and 26%, 32%, and 55% of all hospital readmissions occurred by postoperative days 5, 7, and 14, respectively. Pre-operative medical optimization to reduce the rates of postoperative complications, such as periprosthetic joint infection, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection, are likely to decrease the need for subsequent readmission. Patients should be counseled about these risk factors preoperatively. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e1-e10.].

Costs Associated With Geriatric Ankle Fractures.

Ankle fractures are the third most common orthopaedic injury seen in the geriatric patient. Studies have identified mortality benefits with operative management, but treatment must be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the era of value-based analysis, a thorough of understanding of outcomes and costs of treatment is required. The purpose of this study was to analyze the inpatient and readmission costs associated with operative and nonoperative management of geriatric ankle fractures. Patients were identified using diagnosis codes for ankle fractures from all 2008 Part A Medicare claims. Patients younger than 65 years and those who sustained an ankle fracture during the previous year were excluded. Operative patients were then identified by ICD-9 procedure codes. Other variables collected included age, comorbidities, and the incidence of hospital readmissions. Inpatient costs were determined using Medicare reimbursement data. A total of 19 648 patients with ankle fractures were identified. Of these, 15 193 (77.3%) underwent operative intervention. The mean cost for initial fracture admission was $5097.20 for nonoperative management compared with $8798.10 for operative management ( P < .05). The mean inpatient costs associated with readmission for nonoperative intervention was $5161.50 and for operative treatment, it was $5071.40 ( P > .05). The reimbursement for hospital readmissions for both groups combined for approximately $29.7 million. The total cost of initial treatment plus readmission for both treatment groups combined was approximately $185 million. The total expenditure estimate of $185 million in this study has likely increased given the steady growth of the geriatric population. Expenditures associated with these readmissions was approximately $30 million-nearly a sixth of total costs. Future work must focus on determining which patients will benefit from operative intervention and optimizing care to decrease readmissions and their associated cost in this growing cohort of patients. Therapeutic, Level III: Retrospective study.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Prolonged Hospitalization and Readmission after Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

To evaluate the incidence and factors associated with 30-day readmission and to analyze risk factors for prolonged hospital length of stay following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Retrospective longitudinal claims analysis. American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. The database of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (Current Procedural Terminology code 61548 or 62165) between 2005 and 2014. Patient demographic information, indications for surgery, and incidence of hospital readmission and length of stay were reviewed. Risk factors for readmission and prolonged length of stay, defined as >75th percentile for the cohort, were identified through logistic regression modeling. A total of 1006 patients were included for analysis. Mean hospital length of stay after surgery was 4.1 ± 0.2 days. Predictors of prolonged length of stay were operative time (P < .001, odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.5-2.0), bleeding disorder (P = .049, OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.0-9.5), insulin-dependent diabetes (P = .007, OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.4), and reoperation (P < .001, OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 4.7-23.9). In a subset analysis of 529 patients who had surgery between 2012 and 2014, 7.2% (n = 38) required hospital readmission. History of congestive heart failure (CHF) was a predictor of hospital readmission (P = 0.03, OR = 12.7, 95% CI = 1.1-144.0). This review of a large validated surgical database demonstrates that CHF is an independent predictor of hospital readmission after transsphenoidal surgery. Although CHF is a known risk factor for postoperative complications, it poses unique challenges to patients with potential postoperative pituitary dysfunction.

Are There Modifiable Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a US Healthcare System?

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure, 4% to 11% of patients who undergo THA are readmitted to the hospital. Prior studies have reported rates and risk factors of THA readmission but have been limited to single-center samples, administrative claims data, or Medicare patients. As a result, hospital readmission risk factors for a large proportion of patients undergoing THA are not fully understood. (1) What is the incidence of hospital readmissions after primary THA and the reasons for readmission? (2) What are the risk factors for hospital readmissions in a large, integrated healthcare system using current perioperative care protocols? The Kaiser Permanente (KP) Total Joint Replacement Registry (TJRR) was used to identify all patients with primary unilateral THAs registered between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. The KPTJRR's voluntary participation is 95%. A logistic regression model was used to study the relationship of risk factors (including patient, clinical, and system-related) and the likelihood of 30-day readmission. Readmissions were identified using electronic health and claims records to capture readmissions within and outside the system. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Of the 12,030 patients undergoing primary THAs included in the study, 59% (n = 7093) were women and average patient age was 66.5 years (± 10.7). There were 436 (3.6%) patients with hospital readmissions within 30 days of the index procedure. The most common reasons for readmission were infection and inflammatory reaction resulting from internal joint prosthetic (International Classification of Diseases, 9(th) Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] 996.66, 7.0%); other postoperative infection (ICD-9-CM 998:59, 5.5%); unspecified septicemia (ICD-9-CM 038.9, 4.9%); and dislocation of a prosthetic joint (ICD-9-CM 996.42, 4.7%). In adjusted models, the following factors were associated with an increased likelihood of 30-day readmission: medical complications (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.59-4.93); discharge to facilities other than home (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.39-2.58); length of stay of 5 or more days (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.22-2.65) versus 3 days; morbid obesity (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.25-2.43); surgeries performed by high-volume surgeons compared with medium volume (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.14-2.08); procedures at lower-volume (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07-1.85) and medium-volume hospitals (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.20-2.72) compared with high-volume ones; sex (men: OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.18-1.92); obesity (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02-1.72); race (black: OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.57); increasing age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04); and certain comorbidities (pulmonary circulation disease, chronic pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, and psychoses). The 30-day hospital readmission rate after primary THA was 3.6%. Modifiable factors, including obesity, comorbidities, medical complications, and system-related factors (hospital), have the potential to be addressed by improving the health of patients before this elective procedure, patient and family education and planning, and with the development of high-volume centers of excellence. Nonmodifiable factors such as age, sex, and race can be used to establish patient and family expectations regarding risk of readmission after THA. Contrary to other studies and the finding of increased hospital volume associated with lower risk of readmission, higher volume surgeons had a higher risk of patient readmission, which may be attributable to the referral patterns in our organization. Level III, therapeutic study.

Incidence of hospital readmission in patients diagnosed with DVT and PE: clinical burden of recurrent events.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which comprises deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and represents a considerable economic burden to the US healthcare system. Although it is well established that patients with an initial VTE are at increased risk for recurrent VTE, limited data exist on the clinical burden of a secondary DVT or PE event. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to conduct an epidemiologic evaluation, from a hospital perspective, of patients with an initial DVT or PE who experienced a recurrent event postdischarge requiring hospital readmission. Hospital claims containing DVT or PE as a primary diagnosis for hospitalisation during the period October 2009 to April 2013 were identified by retrospective analysis using the MarketScan database. The time to hospital readmission for DVT or PE was assessed using the MarketScan Treatment Pathways tool. Of 214,901 patient admissions identified with a diagnosis of DVT or PE at hospital admission, approximately 4% were subsequently readmitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of PE (8217) or DVT (9138). Of all readmitted patients with a diagnosis of DVT on initial admission, 66% were rehospitalised with a diagnosis of DVT, and 34% were rehospitalised with a diagnosis of PE. Of all readmitted patients with a diagnosis of PE on initial admission, 63% were rehospitalised with a diagnosis of PE and 37% with a diagnosis of DVT. Of all hospital readmissions with a diagnosis of PE or DVT, 62% and 58% occurred within the first 30 days following an initial PE or DVT event, respectively. The burden of DVT or PE is large, not only because of the initial hospitalisation event but also because of the high number of hospital readmissions, more than half of which occur within 30 days.

Quality of care for cancer patients on home parenteral nutrition: development of key interventions and outcome indicators using a two-round Delphi approach

Clear recommendations on how to guide patients with cancer on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) are lacking as the use of HPN in this population remains a controversial issue. Therefore, the aims of this study were to rank treatment recommendations and main outcome indicators to ensure high-quality care and to indicate differences in care concerning benign versus malignant patients. Treatment recommendations, identified from published guidelines, were used as a starting point for a two-round Delphi approach. Comments and additional interventions proposed in the first round were reevaluated in the second round. Ordinal logistic regression with SPSS 2.0 was used to identify differences in care concerning benign versus malignant patients. Twenty-seven experts from five European countries completed two Delphi rounds. After the second Delphi round, the top three most important outcome indicators were (1) quality of life (QoL), (2) incidence of hospital readmission and (3) incidence of catheter-related infections. Forty-two interventions were considered as important for quality of care (28/42 based on published guidelines; 14/42 newly suggested by Delphi panel). The topics 'Liver disease' and 'Metabolic bone disease' were considered less important for cancer patients, together with use of infusion pumps (p = 0.004) and monitoring of vitamins and trace elements (p = 0.000). Monitoring of QoL is considered more important for cancer patients (p = 0.03). Using a two-round Delphi approach, we developed a minimal set of 42 interventions that may be used to determine quality of care in HPN patients with malignancies. This set of interventions differs from a similar set developed for benign patients.