title: Why do patients keep coming back? Results of a readmitted patient survey.
abstract: Hospital readmissions can negatively impact cost and patient outcomes. Predictors of 30-day readmissions have been primarily identified using medical claims data. Reported here are results of a patient survey developed as part of regular hospital quality assurance activities. Two-thirds of patients reported good discharge experiences but were still readmitted. One-third of patients discharged had a post-discharge doctor appointment scheduled; half were readmitted before that scheduled appointment. Results suggest post-discharge experiences could be improved, especially the timing of follow up doctor appointments. Identified weaknesses in the survey process highlight need for engagement of survey methodologists in efforts to understand patient experiences.
authors.affiliation: a Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , Arkansas , USA.
authors.forename: Holly C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Felix
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Seaberg
authors.forename: Zoran
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bursac
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thostenson
authors.forename: M Kathryn
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001131:Arkansas; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: hospital readmissions; patients’ discharge; survey research