Description

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.


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