COPD 30-Day Readmissions Rates Remain High

The 30-day readmission rate following hospitalizations related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) declined only modestly from 2006 to 2012, according to a recent study. These findings indicate that more effective strategies are needed for reducing readmissions in this patient population.

Little information currently exists regarding trends in readmission rates over the past several years, especially in priority populations defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (ARHQ). These populations include the elderly, women, racial/ethnic minorities, low-income and rural populations, and populations with chronic illnesses

To explore these trends further, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2006 to 2012 of 845,465 hospitalizations for COPD with a risk for readmission within 30 days. Patient data were obtained from the State Inpatient Database of 8 states including Arkansas, California, and New York.

All patients age 40 years or older with a COPD-related hospitalization were identified. The primary outcome was defined as any-cause readmission within 30 days of discharge from the initial COPD-related hospitalization.

Results indicated that, overall, the 30-day readmission rate had decreased modestly from 2006 to 2012 (20.0% to 19.2%). This decline remained significant following adjustment for patient demographics and comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.991).

However, the researchers noted that the readmission rate during this time remained consistently high in most of the priority populations defined by the AHRQ, similar to the overall population.

“Our observations provide a benchmark for future investigation of the impact of Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program on readmissions after COPD hospitalization,” the researchers concluded. “Our findings encourage researchers and policymakers to develop effective strategies aimed at reducing readmissions among patients with COPD in an already-stressed healthcare system.

—Christina Vogt

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