Transitional care interventions and hospital readmissions in surgical populations: a systematic review.

Jones CE1, Hollis RH1, Wahl TS1, Oriel BS2, Itani KM2, Morris MS1, Hawn MT3.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Despite hospital readmission being a targeted quality metric, few studies have focused on the surgical patient population. We performed a systematic review of transitional care interventions and their effect on hospital readmissions after surgery.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed was searched for studies evaluating transitional care interventions in surgical populations within the years 1995 to 2015. Of 3,527 abstracts identified, 3 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational cohort studies met inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS:

Discharge planning programs reduced readmissions by 11.5% (P = .001), 12.5% (P = .04), and 23% (P = .26). Patient education interventions reduced readmissions by 14% (P = .28) and 23.5% (P < .05). Primary care follow-up reduced readmissions by 8.3% for patients after high-risk surgeries (P < .001). Home visits reduced readmissions by 7.69% (P = .023) and 4% (P = .161), respectively. Therefore, improving discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up communication may reduce readmissions.

Published by Elsevier Inc.