Effects of Dementia Diagnosis on Hospital Readmission After Discharge from a Skilled Nursing Home
2024

Effects of Dementia Diagnosis on Hospital Readmission After Discharge from a Skilled Nursing Home

Sample size: 5912 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Carnahan Jennifer, Slaven James, Ludden Emily Fox, Bowditch Corinne, Ryan Healey, Jiangqiong Li, Tu Wanzhu, Torke Alexia

Primary Institution: Indiana University/Regenstrief Institute

Hypothesis

Does dementia increase the risk of hospital readmission after discharge from a skilled nursing home?

Conclusion

People with dementia may be at greater risk of readmission after skilled nursing home discharge, but this risk diminishes when accounting for other factors.

Supporting Evidence

  • There were 5,912 discharges to the community from an SNH and 941 hospital readmissions.
  • ICD codes for dementia were present in 1,754 of the SNH-to-home transitions.
  • In bivariate analysis, people with dementia were more likely to be readmitted (p=0.0074).
  • Post-SNH readmissions were more likely among people who were Black, male, and had higher comorbidity indices.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether people with dementia go back to the hospital more often after leaving a nursing home. It found that while they might, other health issues also play a big role.

Methodology

The study analyzed hospital readmission events using logistic regression, controlling for repeated within-subject readmissions.

Limitations

The significance of dementia's impact on readmission was attenuated when controlling for other factors.

Participant Demographics

Participants included individuals discharged from skilled nursing homes, with a notable representation of Black individuals, males, and dual eligible beneficiaries.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.0074

Confidence Interval

(0.90, 1.32)

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3075

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