Patients readmitted to intensive care: who they are and what happens to them?
2011

Patients Readmitted to Intensive Care: Who They Are and What Happens to Them?

Sample size: 3637 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nassar AP Junior, Salles LD, Brauer L

Primary Institution: Hospital e Maternidade São Camilo, Unidade Pompeia, São Paulo - SP, Brazil

Hypothesis

What are the incidence, outcomes, and possible risk factors for readmission in a medical-surgical ICU?

Conclusion

Readmitted patients were older, had longer ICU stays, and higher severity scores at admission, with readmission being linked to higher in-hospital mortality.

Supporting Evidence

  • 283 out of 3,637 patients were readmitted to the ICU.
  • Readmitted patients had a higher mean age compared to nonreadmitted patients.
  • SAPS III and APACHE IV scores were higher in readmitted patients.

Takeaway

This study looked at patients who had to go back to the ICU and found that older patients with more serious health issues were more likely to be readmitted.

Methodology

Analysis of prospectively collected data from patients admitted to the ICU between January 2009 and December 2010.

Limitations

The study excluded patients under 18, those transferred to another hospital, and those not discharged by February 1, 2011.

Participant Demographics

Patients included were adults, with a mean age of 73 for readmitted patients and 63 for nonreadmitted patients.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P = 0.008

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/cc10206

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