Readmission rate and related risk factors of ischemic stroke patients after 3 months of discharge in Southwest China

Background: Readmission after stroke is common, but limited data is available in West China. This study aimed to assess the frequencies and influencing factors of unplanned readmissions within 3 months after hospital discharge. Methods: This was a retrospective study in a single center. In our study, 596 ischemic stroke patients who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of West China Hospital from November 2011 to August 2012 were enrolled. Demographic data, disease data and follow-up data were collected at first admission and after 3 months of discharge. The readmission rate and risk factors were calculated. Results: Of 596 ischemic stroke patients, the readmission rate was 1930% (115/596) within three-months, the top three reasons for readmission were needs of rehabilitation (74/115, 64.35%), recurrence of stroke (14/115, 12.17%), complications (11/115, 9.57%). The readmission was associated with older age, whether patients have indwelling catheter and endotracheal tube and pressure sores. (P < 0.05) Conclusions: The rate of readmission within 3 months in ischemic stroke patients was 19.30%. Greater attention should be paid to the elderly patients and patients with endotracheal tube on discharge to reduce readmission. Extended nursing care is also needed to reduce the readmission rate of patients with ischemic stroke.