Readmissions at Royal Oldham Hospital AMU

Background This paper contributes to the developing body of literature that explores the theme of hospital readmissions. Interest in this area has grown since a policy of non-payment for 30-day readmissions was introduced by the Department of Health. This has moved hospitals to seek out ways of reducing their readmission rates. Aim The goal of this study was to investigate the drivers of readmissions at the Royal Oldham Hospital of the Pennine Acute Trust, by identifying patterns existing within a sample of readmitted patients. Methodology A random sample of 55 patients readmitted to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) within 30 days of a previous discharge during December 2013 was used. Factors frequently implicated in readmissions were selected as variables for analysis. Results The findings were largely concurrent with previous observations that old age, male gender, previous hospital admissions and existing comorbid conditions increase the risk of readmission. The findings were consistent with reports that diagnoses at the times of admission and readmission are typically different, and that common causes of readmission are infection and complications relating to co-morbid conditions. Conclusion This study forms solid foundations upon which more expansive auditing can take place, and specific recommendations are made for the reduction of readmission rates on AMU.