Assessment of Readmissions Factors in Military Casualties

Background: Identifying significant contributors to an extended stay in the hospital and readmission rate is of great importance in military settings.Methods: The present study investigated the factors associated with multiple readmissions and total readmission days among patients with traumatic combat injuries. The data were collected from military personnel (N=۷۷۵) with combat-related injuries sustained between ۲۰۱۴ and ۲۰۱۹. The data included the pattern and mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), injury severity score (ISS), primary and subsequent treatments and procedures, experienced side effects, source of admission, hospital care unit, and the length of stay in the hospital. The association of the variables of interest with multiple readmissions and total readmission days was examined by logistic regression.Results: There was a significant relationship between multiple readmissions and total readmission days and LOS, max AIS, ISS, side effects, and blood transfusion. Among the variables influencing multiple readmissions, ISS>۲۴ led to the highest risk.Conclusion: A longer LOS within the index admission and its associated factors put patients at risk of multiple and more extended readmission events in the future. The outcomes imply that patients with more severe injuries may require high-quality care for longer durations as part of the initial hospital inpatient stay. This may motivate more effective management of combat-related injuries and the associated medical costs.

Keywords:

Readmissions , Military , Casualties