Abstract
Abstract
Study design: a systematic review
Objectives: The 30-Day readmission and reoperation rates after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is reviewed systematically.
Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature published from Jan. 1990 to July. 2021 via PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE. Our primary outcomes were the overall proportion of 30-day readmission following traumatic SCI during the index admission, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
Results: A two-phase screening process was conducted by independent reviewers; eight articles met the eligibility criteria for our study. The findings showed that the proportion of readmission following index admission was 15% (95% CI, 13 - 18). Furthermore, 30-day readmission rates following rehabilitation facilities were 7% (95% CI, 3 - 15). There was no difference between the pre-and post-sensitivity pooled readmission proportion. There was no evidence of potential small-study effects based on Egger's test.
Conclusions: There is no doubt that readmission is an adverse health outcome. The outcome is also complex and multifaceted, which makes it difficult to predict. Injury level is one of the predictors that affect readmission, making it essential to consider factors during discharge planning for high-risk people to reduce 30-day readmission rates.