The Prevalence, Reasons, and Risk Factors for Hospital Readmissions Among Home Health Care Patients: A Systematic Review

Chenjuan Ma, Jingjing Shang, Sarah Miner, Lauren Lennox, Allison Squires

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Preventing hospital readmissions is one of the top priorities of the U.S. health care system. This systematic review examined the current evidence about hospital readmissions from home health care (HHC). Literature was searched in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were reviewed and evaluated using a validated tool. Eighteen articles were reviewed. Reported readmission rates and risk factors varied dramatically between studies. Reasons for readmissions were understudied. Findings of reviewed studies were limited by small sample sizes, single data source, and methodological flaws. Future studies should use multiple national data sources across patients’ care spectrum and advanced statistical models to identify who among HHC patients are most likely to be readmitted to hospital and for what reason.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-92
Number of pages10
JournalHome Health Care Management and Practice
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2018

Keywords

  • home health care
  • hospital readmission
  • patient outcome
  • post–acute care
  • quality of care
  • risk factor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management
  • Community and Home Care
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Prevalence, Reasons, and Risk Factors for Hospital Readmissions Among Home Health Care Patients: A Systematic Review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this