Factors Related to Hospital Readmission of Frail Older Adults in Korea

PURPOSE: Frail older adults have a higher risk of hospital readmission due to decline in physical, functional, and psychological health status. The impact of readmission on individuals, families, or the healthcare system is tremendously devastating. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with hospital readmission of frail older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study based on multi-professional health assessments found in electronic medical records of patients from a university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, Korea. The participants were 141 older adults who were admitted to the geriatric department with medical problems. Frailty, components of the comprehensive geriatric assessment including nutrition, physical functions, psychological and cognitive status, clinical data including length of hospital stay, and readmission within 30, 90, and 180 days were collected. Survival analysis was performed, and Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to investigate the risk factors for readmission. RESULTS: The statistically significant variables at each time point were slightly different. However, at most time points, disease-related problems (i.e., comorbidities and medications) and body functions (i.e., grip strength and physical activity) were included. The median duration until readmission was 27 days, and grip strength was found to be significantly related to readmission (p=0.020). CONCLUSION: After discharge, both medical services to manage the medical condition and intervention to maintain physical function are needed to prevent frail older adults from being readmitted to the hospital.