Systematic Review of Studies Investigating Hospital Readmissions in Pediatric Oncology

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on hospital readmissions among pediatric oncology patients, focusing on the indications, risk factors, and proposed strategies to prevent readmissions. METHOD: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases including Embase, Medline, Scopus, Mendeley, and Google Scholar were searched. Studies examining hospital readmission as a main outcome in pediatric cancer patients, including those undergoing surgical oncology procedures or receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation, were included. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and PROBAST tool. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies spanned from 2008 to 2023, with an increase in publications from 2020 onward (61%). Fever and infection were the most common readmission indications. Statistically significant risk factors reported included younger age, specific cancer types (e.g., acute lymphoblastic leukemia), and socioeconomic factors. Prevention strategies proposed included early follow-up, tailored anticipatory guidance, discharge education, and specialized care at pediatric oncology centers. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights the multifaceted nature of hospital readmissions in pediatric oncology patients and the need for standardized definitions, additional studies, and comprehensive interventions. Future research should focus on high-quality prospective studies, integration of predictive analytics, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve patient outcomes.