Parameters:
(1) gender
(2) age of the patient
(3) number of significant comorbid conditions
(4) chief complaint for the admission
(5) level of deprivation
|
Parameter
|
Finding
|
Points
|
|
gender
|
female
|
0
|
|
|
male
|
1
|
|
age of the patient
|
< 60 years of age
|
0
|
|
|
>= 60 years of age
|
1
|
|
number of comorbid conditions
|
0 to 2
|
0
|
|
|
>= 3
|
1
|
|
chief complaint
|
congestive heart failure
|
1
|
|
|
chronic obstructive lung disease
|
1
|
|
|
asthma
|
1
|
|
|
other
|
0
|
|
level of deprivation
|
affluent
|
0
|
|
|
middle class
|
0
|
|
|
working class
|
1
|
|
|
deprived
|
1
|
where:
• As shown in Figure 1 (page 5 of 9) the risk of readmission increases with each level of deprivation. However, to simplify the analysis I combined the upper 2 and lower 2.
• Although the admission method (referral from general practitioner, emergency room admit, other) was listed in the abstract as affecting readmission, the data in Table 2 shows high p values.
• Although the abstract mentions age > 75 is associated with increased risk of readmission, the data in Table 2 and 3 indicate that the risk starts at >= 60 years.
• Although the abstract uses >= 4 comorbid conditions, the data in Table 3 indicates that 3 comorbid conditions is associated with increased risk.
total number of risk factors =
= SUM(points for the 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum number of risk factors: 0
• maximum number of risk factors: 5
• The risk of readmission increases with the number of risk factors present.
• The risk of readmission increases with the interval since discharge.
