30- and 90-Day Readmission Rates Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Global Spine Journal, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/21925682241306358 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how often people with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) are readmitted to the hospital within 30 and 90 days of their initial treatment. The review combines data from multiple studies to get a better understanding of readmission rates and factors that might influence them, like age, sex, and the type of spinal cord injury. Understanding these readmission patterns can help hospitals and healthcare providers improve their care and reduce costs.

Study Duration

From inception to June 2022

Participants

Seven studies, sample sizes ranged from 12 to 68,395 patients

Evidence Level

Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Key Findings

1
The 30-day readmission rate after traumatic SCI was 14.2%.
2
The 90-day readmission rate was 35.7%.
3
Cervical and thoracolumbar injuries and patient age showed positive associations with the 30-day readmission rate, while male sex demonstrated a negative association.

Research Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine 30- and 90-day readmission rates following traumatic SCI. The study found that 30-day readmission rate after traumatic SCI was 14.2%, while the 90-day readmission rate was 35.7%. Meta-regression analysis identified associations between patient characteristics and injury type with 30-day readmission rates.

Practical Implications

Improve Discharge Planning

Consider injury level and patient factors during discharge planning for high-risk individuals to reduce 30-day readmission rates.

Targeted Interventions

Develop specific therapies to reduce readmission rates, focusing on preventing infections and injuries in rehabilitation centers, and providing outpatient rehabilitation support after index admission.

Healthcare Policy Reforms

Integrate acute and rehabilitative treatment through healthcare policy reforms to improve quality of life and reduce readmission rates for traumatic SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Majority of data was obtained from one healthcare system, representing a minority of the world population.
2
The analysis of 30 days reflects a small proportion of time.
3
Lack of evidence of readmission rate after traumatic SCI from other countries except for the USA and Australia.

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