title: Developing strategies for predicting and preventing readmissions in vascular surgery.
abstract: The escalating cost burden of hospital readmission has prompted recent nationwide efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of this important quality measure. Because patients undergoing vascular surgery account for a significant proportion of readmissions, vascular surgeons may face reduced reimbursements in the near future if these trends continue. However, risk factors associated with readmission remain poorly defined, and further research is needed to identify interventions that will prevent readmission following vascular procedures. Accordingly, this manuscript will (1) propose a conceptual model to explain the driving forces behind readmissions in vascular surgery, (2) review current evidence directed at identifying risk factors and evaluating interventions to reduce readmissions across different medical and surgical specialties, and (3) identify key areas in patient care where targeted research or interventions may be implemented in vascular surgery.
authors: Section of Vascular Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA.
authors: Benjamin S
authors: BS
authors: Brooke
authors: Randall R
authors: RR
authors: De Martino
authors: Micah
authors: M
authors: Girotti
authors: Justin B
authors: JB
authors: Dimick
authors: Philip P
authors: PP
authors: Goodney
mesh_terms: D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures