Schonenberger and Meyer-Massetti reported factors associated with short-term readmission of an adult related to medications. Recognition of these factors allows for interventions to reduce the risk. The authors are from the University of Bern.
MRR = medication-related readmission
Patient selection: adult being discharged from the hospital
Outcome: 30-day readmission
Drug classes associated with readmission:
(1) antithrombotic agents
(2) insulin
(3) opioid analgesics
(4) diuretics
Factors causing the failure:
(1) prescribing problem, including potentially inappropriate medications or underprescribing
(2) nonadherence
(3) suboptimal transition of care, including incomplete medication discharge information
(4) medication changes during the initial hospitalization
(5) insufficient ambulatory monitoring
Vulnerable patients:
(1) age >= 65 years
(2) polypharmacy
(3) frailty and/or dependent
(4) predisposing social factors in living situation
A patient with these factors may benefit from case review that will look for issues that can be corrected.