Risk factors for acute psychiatric readmission

A retrospective case note study explored readmissions to an acute psychiatric in-patient unit within six months of discharge. The study aimed to calculate a hospital readmission rate, to investigate the timing of readmissions, and to identify risk factors associated with readmission. The readmission rate was 27% with the majority of readmissions occurring within three months after discharge, suggesting the need for investigation of such early readmissions. The three factors found to predict readmission were: discharge against medical advice, number of previous admissions, and living alone or with family rather than in care. Implications for hospital service planning are considered.