Data-driven insights into interhospital care fragmentation: Implications for health policy and equity among older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine factors leading to interhospital care fragmentation (ICF); evaluate how ICF affects rehospitalization costs, length of stays (LOS), and delayed discharge; and analyze ICF disparity among equity-seeking groups.

Materials and methods

We used a 13-year retrospective cohort of older adults (65+) in Ontario, Canada. Utilizing multivariable logistic regression, we identified characteristics associated with ICF and determined its association with outcomes.

Results

Discharge to facilities except home and homecare and travel distance were the strongest risk factors for ICF. Patients were less likely to experience ICF if they were older, frail, or had multiple comorbidities. ICF was strongly associated with an increase in the daily costs of readmission. M

SUBMITTER: Ghazalbash S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11793756 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature