Readmissions among patients with COVID‐19

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Abstract
Background Hospital readmissions are associated with poor patient outcomes and increased health resource utilization. The need to study readmission patterns is even bigger during a pandemic because the burden is further stretching the healthcare system. Methods We reviewed the initial hospitalization and subsequent readmission for 19 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 in the largest statewide hospital network in Rhode Island, US, from March 1st through April 19th, 2020. We also compared the characteristics and clinical outcomes between readmitted and non‐readmitted patients. Results Of the 339 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, 279 discharged alive. Among them, 19/279 were readmitted (6.8%) after a median of 5 days. There was a significantly higher rate of hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, liver disease, cancer, and substance abuse among the readmitted compared to non‐readmitted patients. The most common reasons of readmissions happening within 12 days from discharge included respiratory distress and thrombotic episodes, while those happening at a later time included psychiatric illness exacerbations and falls. The length of stay during readmission was longer than during index admission and more demanding on healthcare resources. Conclusion Among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, those readmitted had a higher burden of comorbidities than the non‐readmitted. Within the first 12 days from discharge, readmission reasons were more likely to be associated with COVID‐19, while those happening later were related to other reasons. Readmissions characterization may help in defining optimal timing for patient discharge and ensuring safe care transition.

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