Loading...
Hospital readmission rates are important indicators of quality health care in adults but little is known about pediatric readmissions. To determine the prevalence and variation of readmissions within 30 days, investigators analyzed 568,845 unplanned admissions at 72 children's hospitals between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.
The overall 30-day readmission rate was 6.5%; 39% were within 7 days and 62% were within 14 days. Among readmitted children, 35% had a chronic condition and 30% had two or more chronic conditions. Readmission rates were highest for the following 10 conditions: anemia/neutropenia (23%); ventricular shunt (18%); sickle cell anemia (17%); seizures or gastroenteritis (7%); upper respiratory infections (6%); pneumonia, appe…