Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a web-based calculator identifying patients at high risk for readmission to administer preventive treatment and avoid eventual readmission.

With global hospital readmission rates within 30 days being as high as 20 percent, identifying high-risk patients could improve care and control costs. The online tool, showcased in Pharmacotherapy, was tested on 621 patients to predict 15-day readmission risk by analyzing a variety of factors.

"Hospital readmissions place immense strain on the healthcare system,” said Alexandre Chan, associate professor at the NUS. “By cutting down the number of preventable readmissions, hospital-related healthcare costs can be significantly reduced. Our simple tool helps healthcare teams identify high-risk patients and facilitates the administration of targeted interventions for these patients—during admission or post-discharge—to reduce readmission rates.”

The online system analyzed factors including age, pre-existing conditions, number of discharge medications, discharge destination and evidence of premature discharge against medical advice. These factors were calculated for 15-day readmission risk and meant to be used while the patient is still in their initial hospital stay to identify early intervention treatments to avoid readmission.

Results showed that 15-day readmission risk was strongly associated with the number of discharge medications and if patients were discharged to a nursing home. For each additional medication, the likelihood of 15-day readmission increased 6 percent. Researchers hope the tool can improve use of targeted intervention programs.