One in four discharged intensive care patients quickly readmitted to hospital, study shows

A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, new research at the University of Edinburgh has revealed.

While some cases are unavoidable, around half of these returns can be avoided, the report suggests, due to high levels of carer stress, difficulty in understanding social care packages and psychological trauma.

The study looked at the 55,000 anonymised records of Scottish patients who have had stays in specialist intensive care units (ICU), who required close monitoring, including patients with sepsis, car crash victims and those recovering from heart attack.

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for services to take into account complex psychological and social needs and for patients to be better supported in the months after leaving ICU.

The study, published in the journals Thorax and BMJ Quality and Safety, was funded by the Chief Scientist Office, part of the Scottish Government Health Directorate.

Lead researcher, Professor Tim Walsh, director of the Edinburgh Critical Care Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This is a fascinating chance to learn from patients and understand avoidable reasons why they might be readmitted to hospital, so that we might spot those most at risk. Our findings show that we have some way to go to improve quality of life for intensive care survivors.

“We have launched a further project to improve the care of the most vulnerable patients by bringing together staff and charities working in hospitals, community health and social care.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This research shows many patients leaving intensive care have complex on-going health issues and points to the need for researchers to look at developing specialist care packages that can reduce the need to return to hospital.

“We expect all agencies to work together to ensure the safe, timely and appropriate discharge from hospital, once treatment is complete. This includes a new right for carers to be involved in discharge decisions.”