Risk for unplanned hospital readmission of patients with cancer: results of a retrospective medical record review.
OBJECTIVE
To identify potential factors that place patients with cancer at risk for unplanned readmissions after discharge from the hospital.


METHODS
Retrospective, descriptive, medical record review.


METHODS
A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in an urban area of the Northeastern United States.


METHODS
78 patients were selected from those readmitted within seven days of discharge. For each readmission case, a nonreadmitted patient was randomly selected and matched on discharge date and reason for prior admission. The age range was 22-87 years, men and women were equally represented, and 88% were Caucasian.


METHODS
The Readmission Criteria Record was developed to collect data from medical records about factors associated with readmission, including demographics, severity of illness, support at home, symptoms, and comorbidities.


METHODS
Criteria associated with readmission risk.


RESULTS
Patients who had gastrointestinal cancer, nausea within 24 hours of discharge, financial and insurance concerns, or caregiver difficulty or those who lived alone were more likely to be readmitted within seven days of discharge. Patients were more likely to be readmitted on Friday than any other day. Among readmitted patients, 48% were readmitted within one to two days postdischarge.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of factors that may place patients with cancer at an increased risk for readmission and subsequent implementation of appropriate interventions during hospitalization may help to decrease risk of readmission.


CONCLUSIONS
The factors identified provide a basis for assessment, planning, interventions, and follow-up of patients to help reduce the risk of readmission and, thus, poor outcomes.
Weaver
Carolyn
C
Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, USA. carolyn.weaver@fccc.edu
Schiech
Linda
L
Held-Warmkessel
Jeanne
J
Kedziera
Pamela
P
Haney
Eileen
E
DiLullo
Gloria
G
Babb
James S
JS
Ruth
Karen
K
Dell
Deena
D
Barsevick
Andrea
A