Early unplanned hospital readmission after acute traumatic injury: The experience at a state-designated level-I trauma center

Background There is limited literature on early unplanned hospital readmission after acute traumatic injury, especially at suburban facilities. Methods A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a suburban, state-designated, level-I academic trauma center from July 2009 to June 2012 was performed for all admitted (≤24 hours) adult (age ≤18 years) trauma patients who were discharged alive, including unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Results Of 3,622 admitted adult trauma patients, 6.57% were readmitted at a median of 9 days. Major surgery was required in 15.9% patients on readmission. The mortality rate at readmission was 4.6%. Multiple factors were associated with readmission on univariate analysis; however, on multivariate analysis, only major comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 1.53), hospital length of stay (OR, 1.01), abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score greater than or equal to 3 (OR, 2.10), and discharge to a skilled nursing facility or subacute facility (OR, 1.56) were significant predictors. Meanwhile, index admission to surgical services was associated with a significantly lower readmission risk (OR,.60). Conclusions Trauma patients are infrequently readmitted. Index admission to a surgical service reduces the risk of readmission. Earlier medical follow-up should be considered.