Timing and pattern of readmission in individuals with spinal cord injury in the setting of a specialized medical home

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1883959 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at when and why people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are readmitted to the hospital after leaving a rehabilitation center. It is important to understand these patterns to help prevent future readmissions. The study found that most readmissions happen within the first six months after discharge. Urological and respiratory issues are the most common reasons for readmission. The findings suggest that more support may be needed during the first six months after discharge, and again around the ninth month, to help people with SCI manage their health and avoid readmission.

Study Duration

3 years

Participants

176 individuals with SCI, 53 readmitted within the first year

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Eighty one percent of the readmitted patients experienced readmission within the first six months after discharge.
2
Urological and respiratory complications were related to repeat readmissions.
3
The patient is at the greatest risk of readmission in the first 6 months, with a secondary increase in risk at 9 months.

Research Summary

The study aimed to identify the timing and pattern of complications associated with hospital readmissions in individuals with traumatic SCI and non-traumatic spinal cord disorders post-discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The results indicated that the majority of readmissions occur within the first six months post-discharge, with urological and respiratory complications being the primary causes for repeat readmissions. The authors suggest that increased support and monitoring during the early post-discharge period, as well as around the ninth month, may help to reduce readmission rates in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Healthcare providers can target outreach proactively within the first 6 months post-discharge to prevent readmissions.

Resource Allocation

Resources can be better directed to yield maximal results in terms of reducing patient morbidity and readmission by focusing on urological and respiratory complications.

Post-Discharge Support

The team might consider an additional touch-point with patients around 8–9 months after discharge, to try to prevent the uptick in readmissions, late in the first year.

Study Limitations

1
Data from this study were collected from patients discharged from a single IRF and may not be generalizable.
2
The study relied on patient self-report which may have introduced errors in the timing of readmissions.
3
Regional practice trends and medical resources such as the availability of 24/7 retail pharmacy may have also influenced the current outcomes.

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