Factors associated with multiple hospital readmissions for individuals with spinal cord injury

Commonhealth (Phila), 2020 · DOI: 10.15367/ch.v1i2.399 · Published: September 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at why people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are readmitted to the hospital multiple times within a year after leaving inpatient rehabilitation. The researchers found that things like not getting enough rehabilitation services, having lower physical function, being unemployed, and feeling depressed were linked to a higher chance of being readmitted more than once. They also found that certain medical issues like genitourinary and respiratory problems were common reasons for readmission.

Study Duration

1 year

Participants

1170 individuals with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort analysis

Key Findings

1
Lower utilization of rehabilitation services was associated with higher odds of being readmitted multiple times.
2
Unemployment was linked to multiple readmissions.
3
Individuals with depression were more likely to be readmitted once and multiple times.

Research Summary

This study aimed to identify patient-level and clinical factors associated with multiple hospital readmissions in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary outcome was all-cause hospital readmission within 1 year of discharge from a rehabilitation center. Psychosocial and clinical factors were associated with increased risk for multiple readmissions in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Discharge Planning

Discharge planning should account for ensuring appropriate caregiver services and follow-up with patients to prevent readmissions if caregiver support changes.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Healthcare systems need to address social determinants of health, such as unemployment and financial hardship, to prevent multiple readmissions.

Mental Health Support

Providing mental health support and educational interventions for patient management can help reduce the risk of recurrent readmissions.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of the multiple readmissions group
2
Self-reported one-year follow-up data may have resulted in underestimation of readmission rates
3
Unable to perform analyses based on clustering within the SCI centers

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