Preventing early unplanned hospital readmission after critical illness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The PROFILE study: Preventing early unplanned hospital readmission following critical illness
IRAS ID
153279
Contact name
Lisa Salisbury
Contact email
Research summary
We have shown that a remarkable 23% of patients in Scotland surviving to be discharged from hospital after an episode of critical illness (“ICU survivors”) required an unplanned acute hospital readmission within 90 days of hospital discharge (“early readmission”). Thirteen percent are readmitted within 30 days. We believe this indicates system failure, and is a novel target for quality improvement. Our objectives are to understand who is at greatest risk, understand why early readmission occurs, and develop metrics and toolkits to drive improved patient care on a national scale. To achieve these objectives we will undertake two parallel studies. The quantitative study will interrogate an existing clinical database (the Scottish Intensive Care Society’s Wardwatcher® database) and national databases, with the aim of identifying risk factors for acute hospital readmission. We will use multivariable analyses to develop a standardised risk model for readmission.
This parallel qualitative study aims to understand the reasons ICU survivors require early readmission, including both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Interviews with individual patients and their family members/carers who have experienced a readmission to hospital after discharge from intensive care will explore these factors.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
14/SS/1032
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion