Factors Associated With 90-Day Readmission After Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

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This study used data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry, hospital admissions data, and national death registrations to examine factors associated with hospital readmission after acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 13,594 patients. Of the included patients, over half (65%) had experienced an ischemic stroke and 20%, 11%, and 4% had experienced TIA, intracerebral hemorrhage, and undetermined stroke, respectively. Within 90 days, 15% had an unplanned readmission and 25% had an all-cause readmission. Greater risk of unplanned readmission within 90 days was associated with greater Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, female sex, and having an admission 90 or fewer days before the index event. Unplanned readmissions within 90 days were more likely in patients who were discharged directly home versus discharged to rehabilitation or aged care. Clinical processes of care were similar in patients with and without an all-cause readmission. Analyses of readmissions within 30 and 365 days produced similar results.

This study identified factors associated with readmission after stroke or TIA and suggests that increased support at discharge may reduce the risk of readmission.