Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Primary aim: to identify the percentage and preventability of unplanned readmissions ≤ 30 days of discharge due to medication related problems. Secondary aims: to assess which types of medication were responsible for potentially preventable readmissions and potential causes of these readmissions.
DESIGN
We conducted a cross-sectional observational study.
METHODS
Patients (≥ 18 years) with a 30-day unplanned readmission after discharge from a participating department were included. Residents of these departments and a pharmacist reviewed files of readmitted patients. During multidisciplinary meetings, potentially preventable cases were discussed and consensus was reached. The percentage of readmissions that were medication related, and potential preventability were assessed. For potentially preventable readmissions, types of medication responsible for the readmission and potential causes were assessed. Potential causes were categorized into three categories: problems due to transitions in care, prescribing, and adherence.
RESULTS
426 readmissions were included. Nineteen percent was medication related and 38% of these were potentially preventable. Most common types of medication responsible for potentially preventable readmissions were: diuretics (20%), drugs used to treat diabetes (17%) and cardiac therapy/beta blocking agents (13%). Potential causes of these readmissions were problems due to prescribing (43%), transitions in care (23%), and adherence (33%).
CONCLUSION
Thirty-eight percent of medication related readmissions is potentially preventable. Problems with prescribing, transitions in care and adherence might be good starting points for implementing interventions to reduce medication related readmissions.
Primary aim: to identify the percentage and preventability of unplanned readmissions ≤ 30 days of discharge due to medication related problems. Secondary aims: to assess which types of medication were responsible for potentially preventable readmissions and potential causes of these readmissions.
DESIGN
We conducted a cross-sectional observational study.
METHODS
Patients (≥ 18 years) with a 30-day unplanned readmission after discharge from a participating department were included. Residents of these departments and a pharmacist reviewed files of readmitted patients. During multidisciplinary meetings, potentially preventable cases were discussed and consensus was reached. The percentage of readmissions that were medication related, and potential preventability were assessed. For potentially preventable readmissions, types of medication responsible for the readmission and potential causes were assessed. Potential causes were categorized into three categories: problems due to transitions in care, prescribing, and adherence.
RESULTS
426 readmissions were included. Nineteen percent was medication related and 38% of these were potentially preventable. Most common types of medication responsible for potentially preventable readmissions were: diuretics (20%), drugs used to treat diabetes (17%) and cardiac therapy/beta blocking agents (13%). Potential causes of these readmissions were problems due to prescribing (43%), transitions in care (23%), and adherence (33%).
CONCLUSION
Thirty-eight percent of medication related readmissions is potentially preventable. Problems with prescribing, transitions in care and adherence might be good starting points for implementing interventions to reduce medication related readmissions.
| Translated title of the contribution | Medication-related readmissions within 30 days after discharge |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Article number | a1686 |
| Journal | Nederlands Platform voor Farmaceutisch Onderzoek |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec-2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |