Predicting the risk of hospital readmissions using a machine learning approach: a case study on patients undergoing skin procedures

Introduction: Even with modern advancements in medical care, one of the persistent challenges hospitals face is the frequent readmission of patients. These recurrent admissions not only escalate healthcare expenses but also amplify mental and emotional strain on patients. Methods: This research delved into two primary areas: unraveling the pivotal factors causing the readmissions, specifically targeting patients who underwent dermatological treatments, and determining the optimal machine learning algorithms that can foresee potential readmissions with higher accuracy. Results: Among the multitude of algorithms tested, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), Naïve Bayesian (NB), artificial neural network (ANN), xgboost (XG), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN), it was noted that two models-XG and RF-stood out in their prediction prowess. A closer inspection of the data brought to light certain patterns. For instance, male patients and those between the ages of 21 and 40 had a propensity to be readmitted more frequently. Moreover, the months of March and April witnessed a spike in these readmissions, with ~6% of the patients returning within just a month after their first admission. Discussion: Upon further analysis, specific determinants such as the patient's age and the specific hospital where they were treated emerged as key indicators influencing the likelihood of their readmission.