Researchers from Georgia State University and Emory University have determined three factors that increase the risk of hospital readmissions for general surgery patients.
For the study, researchers reviewed 1,442 patients who underwent general surgery procedures from October 2009 until July 2011 at Emory University Hospital. Of the sample, 163 patients (11.3 percent) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge.
An analysis of the patients showed three primary causes of readmission:
1. Pre-existing conditions
2. Complications developed in the hospital
3. Complications developed post-discharge
Researchers hope this study will help hospitals who face potential penalties for excessive preventable readmissions under the healthcare reform law.
For the study, researchers reviewed 1,442 patients who underwent general surgery procedures from October 2009 until July 2011 at Emory University Hospital. Of the sample, 163 patients (11.3 percent) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge.
An analysis of the patients showed three primary causes of readmission:
1. Pre-existing conditions
2. Complications developed in the hospital
3. Complications developed post-discharge
Researchers hope this study will help hospitals who face potential penalties for excessive preventable readmissions under the healthcare reform law.
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