A comparison of hospital readmission rates between two general physicians with different outpatient review practices.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There has been a relentless increase in emergency medical admissions in the UK over recent years. Many of these patients suffer with chronic conditions requiring continuing medical attention. We wished to determine whether conventional outpatient clinic follow up after discharge has any impact on the rate of readmission to hospital.

Methods

Two consultant general physicians with the same patient case-mix but markedly different outpatient follow-up practice were chosen. Of 1203 patients discharged, one consultant saw twice as many patients in the follow-up clinic than the other (Dr A 9.8% v Dr B 19.6%). The readmission rate in the twelve months following discharge was compared in a retrospective analysis of hospital activity data. Due to the specialisation of the a

SUBMITTER: Rayner HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC117439 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature