Factors associated with readmission in orthopedic patients returning to home.

Abstract

Discharge planning nurses collaborate with ward nurses to identify and prioritize patients who may face difficulties upon discharge. Despite their interventions, readmissions are not uncommon. This study aimed to examine the reality of readmissions among patients with orthopedic disorders and explore the high readmission rates and causes. There were 150 readmission cases out of 7.798 patients (1.9%), discharge planning nurses intervened in 33 cases (22.0%). The most common underlying condition was "assistance required for activities of daily living (physical)" with 125 cases (83.3%). The most prevalent disorder was "lumbar spinal stenosis" with 41 cases (27.3%). Based on these findings, the tendency for readmissions in patients with orthopedic disorders has become apparent. The challenge ahead is to establish a mechanism where discharge planning nurses can intervene early for patients who correspond to high readmission rates and evaluate whether this approach can reduce readmission rates.