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Pediatric Surgery International

Published in:

01-06-2015 | Original Article

Pediatric surgery readmissions: a root cause analysis

Authors: S. Burjonrappa, A. Theodorus, A. Shah, I. T. Cohen

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Introduction

Hospital readmission rates are used as a metric of the quality of patient care in adults. Readmission data is lacking for pediatric surgical patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate our institution’s 30-day unexpected pediatric surgical readmission data to identify potentially preventable readmissions.

Methods

An internal database of all pediatric surgical 30-day readmissions to two tertiary-referral children’s hospitals in a single health system was reviewed. All pediatric general surgery admissions between January 2008 and May 2013 with hospital readmission within 30 days were included in the study. Patient demographics, diagnoses, cause of readmission, procedure performed, and length of stay were recorded. Charts were individually reviewed to evaluate causality of readmission.

Results

There were 2217 pediatric general surgery admissions during the study period. Of these, 145 (6.5 %) experienced unexpected readmission within 30 days. One-third of all readmissions occurred in infants between 0 and 364 days of age, 50 % occurred in those under 2 years and wholly 80 % of all readmissions occurred in those under 9 years of age. A majority of readmissions were associated with chronic comorbid conditions.

Conclusion

Analysis of pediatric surgical readmission data may assist hospitals in focusing quality of care and cost effectiveness strategies. Development of coordination of care strategies and discharge planning involving both pediatric surgical teams and pediatric hospitalists/specialists may reduce pediatric surgical readmission rates.

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Title: Pediatric surgery readmissions: a root cause analysis
Authors: S. Burjonrappa
A. Theodorus
A. Shah
I. T. Cohen
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-015-3701-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pediatric surgery readmissions: a root cause analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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