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BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the causes and associated patient factors for unplanned readmissions among trauma patients. METHODS: We examined patients admitted for traumatic injuries between 2007 and 2011 in the California State Inpatient Database. Using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models, we determined rates, reasons, locations, and patient factors associated with 30-day readmissions. RESULTS: Among 252,752 trauma discharges, the overall readmission rate was 7.56%, with 36% of readmissions occurring at a hospital different from the hospital of initial admission. Predictors of readmissions included being discharged against medical advice (odds ratio [OR]: 2.56 [2.35 to 2.76]); Charlson scores ≥2 (OR: 2.00 [1.91 to 2.10]); and age ≥45 years (OR: 1.29 [1.25 to 1.33]). Major reasons for readmissions were musculoskeletal complaints (22.29%), psychiatric conditions (9.40%), and surgical infections (6.69%). CONCLUSIONS: Health and social vulnerabilities influence readmission among trauma patients, with many readmitted at other hospitals. Targeted interventions among high-risk patients may reduce readmissions after traumatic injuries.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.09.018

Type

Journal article

Journal

Am j surg

Publication Date

04/2016

Volume

211

Pages

649 - 655

Keywords

Injury, Readmission, Reason, Risk factors, Trauma, Adolescent, Adult, California, Databases, Factual, Female, Humans, Injury Severity Score, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Readmission, Risk Factors, Wounds and Injuries